Rural youth encounter economic and physical barriers that prevent them from receiving adequate care, services or resources necessary for healthy development. The Rural Youth Development Grant program - established by the United States Congress and administered by the Division of Youth & 4-H, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - is intended to breakdown barriers to participation especially for rural youth; enhance opportunities for youth involvement in policy and decision-making; create safe and inviting environments for youth activities; and improve access to information and technology. The overall goal of the program is to provide opportunities for rural youth to improve their own lives and the communities in which they live.

The Rural Youth Development Grant program is a collaboration of work conducted in rural America by three youth development organizations - 4-H, the National FFA Organization, and the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.