High school FFA, 4-H, and HOSA chapters eligible for Raising Hope grants

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2025) –  Raising Hope, a Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) program focused on farm safety, farm rescue, and farmers’ health, is providing grant opportunities for high school FFA, 4-H and HOSA – Future Health Professionals chapters to focus on those vital components, as well. Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell announced KDA’s Raising Hope program is investing $200,000 for the grants, an increase of $75,000 over last year’s funding.

"As Kentucky’s Agriculture Commissioner, I am proud to support this initiative that empowers our high school student chapters to address vital issues in agriculture," Commissioner Shell said. "By focusing on farm safety, farmers’ health, and farm rescue, we are investing in the well-being of our farming communities and ensuring that our next generation of leaders is well-equipped to face these challenges. These grants help with our commitment to safeguard the future of agriculture in Kentucky."

KDA’s Raising Hope program raises awareness about farm safety, health risks, and farm rescue, stressing the importance of training for farm-specific rescues to enhance safety for farmers, workers, and families. With the commitment of $200,000 from Raising Hope, high school chapters for FFA, 4-H, and HOSA can apply for grants to host events dedicated to farm safety, farm rescue, and farmers’ health, both mental and physical. The money will be in allotments up to $5,000 to winning chapters.

"Kentucky FFA is excited about the opportunities made possible through the Raising Hope Grant," said Kristan Wright, Agricultural Education Consultant/State FFA Advisor. “We have witnessed the tremendous impact these grants have made across the state, whether through the Challenge Coin Program, farm safety days, or farm safety kits. This year, chapters will have the opportunity to continue saving lives. These efforts teach our members the importance of giving back to their local communities and highlight the value of our farmers and agricultural professionals. The impact of this grant will be felt throughout the broader agricultural industry and the communities we serve.”

"By participating in the Raising Hope program, HOSA chapters across Kentucky are planting the seeds of innovation where agriculture and healthcare intersect," said Susan Readnower, HOSA State Advisor. "HOSA — Future Health Professionals is more than a student organization; it’s a pipeline preparing the next generation of leaders in medicine, public health, and allied health careers. With this opportunity, we are empowering students to explore how rural health and sustainable agriculture directly impact community wellness — raising hope for a healthier tomorrow. We look forward to the good that will undoubtedly come from this partnership of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky FFA, Kentucky 4-H, and Kentucky HOSA."

"4-H is focused on empowering youth with the skills, resilience, and confidence to thrive in a changing world," said Carrie Derossett with Kentucky 4-H. "Kentucky 4-H is excited to partner with Raising Hope to provide grants to 4-H clubs across the state. These grants will pave the way, providing youth the opportunity to make a difference in farmer safety, health, and rescue in our communities."

Raising Hope, which began as a coalition between the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and other agriculture, education, and healthcare institutions to improve the mental and physical health of farmers, was moved fully under the KDA umbrella and joined with the Department’s Farm Safety program in July 2024.

More information on the application process is found on the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's Raising Hope website page at kyagr.com/marketing/raising-hope.html. The link for the grant application is under Forms and Documents on the right-hand side.