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First grant from Leadership and Education in Ag Fund awarded
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A new initiative aimed at preparing Stanislaus County youth for careers in agriculture has received its first major investment, with the Stanislaus Community Foundation awarding $100,000 to expand a proven workforce development program into the region.

The grant, funded through the Leadership and Education in Ag Fund (LEAF), will support San Joaquin A+ in bringing its career readiness model to 100 underserved students in Stanislaus County. The program, offered in partnership with Stanislaus Partners in Education, will provide professional skills training, career exposure, and paid internships for youth ages 17 to 19.

“We are so grateful for this investment,” said Kai Kung, CEO of San Joaquin A+. “With this support, we’re excited to expand our proven model into Stanislaus County, connecting more students to real-world experiences and pathways to careers in agriculture, right here at home.”

LEAF was established in 2023 to strengthen the local ag talent pipeline by supporting students, workers, and future leaders in Stanislaus County. Ten regional ag leaders were recruited to serve on the advisory committee, including representatives from Ahlem Dairy, Stanislaus Foods, GALLO, Martella Farms, American Ag Credit, Gemperle Family Farms, Stanislaus Farm Bureau, Stanislaus Partners in Education, Romero Farming, and Mid Valley Ag Services.

Melissa Van Diepen, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Stanislaus Community Foundation, called the grant “a long-term strategy to strengthen one of the region’s most vital industries.”

“This is more than a grant,” Van Diepen said. “It’s about building a future where local talent can thrive right here at home.”

San Joaquin A+ has operated in San Joaquin County since 1996, collaborating with educators, families, and workforce partners to prepare students for meaningful careers and civic engagement. The expansion into Stanislaus County marks a significant step toward regional collaboration in ag education and workforce development.

For more information about the Leadership and Education in Ag Fund, visit stanislauscf.org/leaf.