Texas company helps homeschoolers ‘dig into agriculture’ through garden grants

Homeschoolers interested in agriculture can enjoy a little financial help along the way – by applying for 15 $200 garden grants through the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB). 

“The garden grant program was created to help students make the connection to agriculture through learning what it takes to care for a garden project,” said Jordan Bartels, the bureau’s associate director of organization division in educational outreach. 

“Students can dig into agriculture and cultivate a better understanding of food production and foster a deeper appreciation for how food is grown and for the people who grow it.” 

Applicants need to include a project timeline and budget of estimated expenses to qualify, the bureau notes in its guidelines for the 2025-26 school year. 

“Qualifying projects will provide students with hands-on, experiential learning about agriculture through the funding of a new garden project or improvements to an existing garden or greenhouse. Aquaponic and hydroponic systems are eligible if they are used to teach food production.” 

All students must submit their applications by 11:59 p.m. Aug. 18. Additionally, grant recipients must share an update in January before completing a final report electronically by June 1 next year. 

Creating more opportunities for homeschoolers 

More opportunities such as these are becoming available to homeschool students across the nation. 

As previously reported by The Lion, the Nebraska Agriculture Academy (NAA) provides ag-education options for homeschoolers previously unable to join the National FFA Organization – a youth association committed to agricultural leadership. 

“To be in FFA, some school districts required a student to take four or six classes at the public school,” said Ann Dvorak, a former public-school teacher who now homeschools her children and handles the NAA’s business management. “That defeats the purpose of homeschooling.” 

Thanks in part to homeschoolers reaching out to the Nebraska Department of Education, the state passed a law requiring only one class for participation in the FFA. 

Homeschoolers can meet this requirement by enrolling in two mini-modules, a minimum of three standard modules, or one mega-module through the homeschool chapter. They can also join anytime throughout the year. 

“I was so excited to have found NE Ag Academy for my daughter,” wrote Brenda, a mom whose testimonial is featured on NAA’s website. “Since we started homeschooling, she didn’t have the option to do FFA with an ag class outside of public school. It’s really been great for her to be a part of this program.” 

Other grants available for homeschoolers include the Home School Legal Defense Association’s curriculum grants and compassion grants for families experiencing financial hardships or natural disasters.