ASPIRE Act

This bill would create federal grants to help schools build hands-on job training programs for agriculture. Schools must partner with farms, ag companies, apprenticeship programs, or nonprofits so students can learn through internships, apprenticeships, and experience-based classes and workshops that teach technical skills. USDA would run the grant program to grow the agriculture industry, boost competitiveness, and improve how workers are trained and kept on the job.

• Who is affected: Land-grant universities, Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities, non-land-grant ag colleges, recognized centers of excellence, community colleges with ag programs, and area career and technical schools with ag programs; plus ag companies, registered apprenticeship programs, and nonprofits that partner on training.
• What changes: Grants would support training programs that include internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on courses. At least 5% of each grant must support the program, including student recruiting and training for faculty to prepare students for ag jobs.
• When: USDA must have this program up and running by January 31, 2026.