Missouri Farmers Support local schools through Second Annual America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education

For the second consecutive year, America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education ^SM, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, will give Missouri farmers the opportunity to enhance math and science programs in their communities. Now until April 15, 2013, farmers can nominate a local public school district to compete for a merit-based grant of up to $25,000. Administrators of nominated school districts may then submit grant applications through April 30, 2013. This year, the program expands to 26 new counties, for a total of 1,271 eligible counties across 39 states.   

The America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to society.  Following a successful pilot in Minnesota and Illinois, America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education debuted nationally last year, awarding $2.3 million to school districts coast to coast.

“We believe engaging rural youth in their math and science studies lays the foundation for a bright future,” said Deborah Patterson, Monsanto Fund president. “This generation is the future of agriculture, and funding from the Grow Rural Education program helps ensure they are ready to be the next great leaders.”

Eligible farmers can nominate their favorite public school district by visiting www.GrowRuralEducation.com and following the “Nominate Now” link on the top, left-hand corner of the page. Farmers may also nominate a school district by calling 1-877-267-3332.

In 2012, the following Missouri school districts received a total of $155,000 to enhance math and science curriculums:

·         Community R-VI , $10,000

·         Johnson County R-VII, $25,000

·         Liberal R-II, $10,000

·         Lone Jack C-6, $10,000

·         Miami R-I, $10,000

·         Monroe City R-I, $25,000

·         Northeast Nodaway County R-V, $10,000

·         Oak Ridge R-VI, $10,000

·         Orrick, $25,000

·         Pleasant View R-VI, $10,000

·         Strain-Japan R-XVI, $10,000

Thanks to Grow Rural Education, 2012 winner Community R-VI School District was able purchase grow carts, probes and sensors for its advanced science classes.

 “This was a great opportunity for us to do some things we couldn't do before the grant,” said Cheryl Mack, Community R-VI superintendent. “We appreciate the support we received from local farmers. I am overwhelmed with how much they help the school and our students' education.” 

Grants will be awarded by the Monsanto Fund based on merit, need and community support. The America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education Advisory Council, a group of 30 farmer leaders from across the country, will select the winning grant applications.  Advisory Council members were selected based on their passion for agriculture and education, as well as experience in rural school districts.

America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education is part of the Monsanto Fund’s overall effort to strengthen America’s farming communities. Another program that is part of this effort is America’s Farmers Grow Communities, which gives winning farmers the opportunity to direct a $2,500 donation to a community nonprofit organization in their county.
                For more information about the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program and to view the official rules, visit www.GrowRuralEducation.com. To read more about the 2013 Grow Rural Education launch, and to view the 2013 launch video, please visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/1/prweb10308518.htm.