It’s projected that in 2018 about 2.4 million jobs in science, technology, engineering and math will go unfilled. To help K-12 educators enhance their STEM curriculum and excite their students about these fields, the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, will once again provide farmers with the opportunity to nominate their local public schools for the chance to receive $10,000 or $25,000 grants.
Because farmers know the needs of their communities, they kick off the Grow Rural Education program by nominating a local school to apply for one of the grants. Farmers can nominate their local school by visiting GrowRuralEducation.com.
Farmers can nominate their school district through April 2. After the school district receives a nomination, the Monsanto Fund will notify the district and encourage administrators and teachers to design a grant that enhances STEM education for their students.
Nominated school districts have until April 15 to submit a grant application describing their project. An advisory council composed of farmer leaders will review finalist applications and select the winning school districts.
“Whether students plan to enroll in college or find a job after high school, it is important for them to have a STEM foundation,” Al Mitchell, Monsanto Fund president, said. “Grow Rural Education provides farmers with a way to give back, and farmers that have nominated grant-winning districts are thrilled to see how $10,000 and $25,000 grants can transform a classroom.”
Since 2011, more than $14 million has been awarded to school districts through the Grow Rural Education program.
More information about the program can be found at GrowRuralEducation.com.