LAKE CITY, SC – To feed the world’s rapidly growing population and tackle many other global challenges, the country’s next generation of leaders will need to be highly-skilled in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). That’s why the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education Program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, has awarded Florence County School District Three with a grant of $10,000.
The district plans to use the funds to integrate curriculum, increase math and science performance, and most of all let nature serve as a teacher.
“Our district has a great focus on collaboration and community this year. Grow C^3 (Grow Children and Community…one Collard at a Time) exemplifies our vision,” said Shakeyla Brockington, STEM Coach at Olanta Elementary School. “Students are working in groups, teachers are sharing ideas, high school students are going to have a cook off with harvested collards, and local farmers are coming out to share gardening techniques with our students,” she added. “In addition, the students are receiving a Gardening 101 Course by Moore Farms Botanical Garden and will visit a local farmers market.”
Earlier this year, farmers in Johnsonville nominated the district for consideration. After the nomination, the district developed its submission to enhance its STEM education offering an integrated approach to curriculum, application of math and science skills in the garden, and collaboration . A group of science and math teachers reviewed each submission and selected FCSD3 as a finalist.
Next, the Program’s Farmer Advisory Council, which is composed of approximately 30 farmer leaders from across the country with an interest in agriculture and education, selected FCSD3 for one of the Grow Rural Education Grants. Grant applications were judged based on the merit of the application, need and community support.
The America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program began in 2011. Since 2011, more than $11 million has been awarded to over 700 rural school districts to enhance STEM education. For a complete list of winners and to learn more about the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program, visit www.GrowRuralEducation.com.Editor’s Note – The information above is from a submitted press release.