In Florida, the NFBA (North Fla. Bluegrass Assn.) promotes young talent by paying for their lessons with area instructors. These 'scholarships' are limited in number, but are a great way to get a young musician started and pointed in the right direction. There is also a youth band that is sponsored and mentored by experienced club members. The NFBA also has 'Slo Jam' sessions for musicians young and not-so-young who are just starting out.
-btmp