By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist

In today’s technology-driven learning environment, some schools are taking classroom learning outside or incorporating hands-on activities, and Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Learning from the Ground Up program can help.

“Each student learns differently, but research shows getting students outside and involved in hands-on projects helps them learn,” Jett Mason, TFB director of Educational Outreach, said.

Through Learning from the Ground Up, any teacher or administrator of a Texas school, public or private, can apply for a grant of up to $500 to help fund activities that give students opportunities to understand the source of their food, fiber and fuel and gain a greater knowledge and appreciation of Texas agriculture.

Parent-Teacher Associations and other organizations may also apply if students are involved in the project.

Qualifying projects include school gardens, raised beds, greenhouses, hydroponics and aquaponics that provide students with hands-on, experiential learning about agriculture and food production.

“School gardens are a fantastic opportunity to get students out of the classroom, their hands dirty and involved in the tangible production of food,” Mason said. “They are not just learning about it theoretically. They are actually getting out and doing it.”

Students must be directly involved throughout the entirety of the project.

Applications must include a timeline and detailed budget with estimated expenses. Only one grant application per school may be submitted each year, with grants payable to the school or organization.

Applications can be submitted either by mail or email and should be received or postmarked on or before Oct. 19.

“Through this program, a seed is planted,” Mason said. “The teachers or organization advisors help the students care for the plants and harvest the fruits or veggies of their labor. Through the process, they’re able to see what farmers and ranchers face while growing our food. Storms or drought, weeds, pests—they get to see what it takes on a small scale and can apply that understanding to a large scale for agriculture.”

Click here for more information and an application.

If you have questions on the grant program, contact Mason at (254) 751-2569 or jmason@txfb.org.