Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom has awarded 75 grants in 51 Virginia localities for the 2023-24 school year. The grants will be allocated to provide 30,000 youth in urban and rural areas with unique agricultural experiences related to gardening, animal agriculture, nutrition, STEM integrations and leadership development. These grants and the projects they support also help youth gain a better understanding of food production and career opportunities in the agriculture field.
“Learning about the environment and academics through gardening is a theme for several grant projects this year—ranging from indoor and outdoor gardens to aquaponics and hydroponics,” said Tammy Maxey, Virginia AITC executive director. “These grant projects also create community engagement and career awareness throughout the grade levels. Youth from preschool through high school in public and private educational settings will have an opportunity to learn about a variety of agricultural concepts. Congratulations to the schools, centers and 4-H chapters across Virginia that have been selected.”
Grants were received by Virginia High School in Bristol, Carroll Cooperative Extension 4-H in Carroll County, Galax Elementary School, Pulaski Cooperative Extension in Pulaski County, Greendale Elementary School in Washington County and Max Meadows Elementary School in Wythe County, among others.
The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that promotes a greater understanding and appreciation of agriculture through education and outreach activities. To learn more and support, visit virginia.agclassroom.org.
