Fourth- through eighth-grade Volusia County agriculture and science teachers can apply today for up to $200 in grant funds from Volusia County Farm Bureau. Monies may be used for school gardens, hydroponics, aquaculture and any other agriculture related classroom projects. Volusia County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee sponsors the grant program. A total of $2,000 is available.
Farm Bureau works on behalf of farm families. It represents farmers and rural communities by advocating for programs and policies that help farmers and ranchers. Women make a big difference in this work by helping to educate the public through programs and events including the classroom mini-grant program. Women’s Committee members organize various charitable events throughout the year and host the Farm Bureau’s Annual Youth Speech Contest in April. Teens who enter that win cash awards for their original five-minute speech on a pre-selected agriculture topic. Women members also coordinate college scholarships and Ag in the Classroom events where community agriculture leaders visit classrooms and read to young students. Youth education is key to encouraging the next generation of farmers.
“Farm Bureau mini-grants are a great opportunity for teachers to incorporate hands on learning into their classroom. Children are able to utilize the standards taught through the curriculum and make the connections through agricultural activities. The grants can be used to offer real world applications and correlations that we, as teachers, strive for our students to understand. The grants are an excellent opportunity for teachers,” said Jaime Davis, middle school teacher and Volusia County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee chairperson.
Educators need to submit learning objectives and goals, materials needed and the cost of each item, teaching strategies and a brief lesson plan along with the application. When the project is complete a final report with photos should be turned in to the Volusia County Farm Bureau office. Reports are due on or before May 8, 2020.
Applications for the 2019-2020 mini-grants are available by download or at the Volusia County Farm Bureau office, 3090 E. New York Ave., DeLand, 32724. For more information contact Caroline Newby at 386-734-1612 or by email at caroline.newby@ffbf.org. Application deadline is Sept. 27.