America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education is partnering with farmers across the country to help strengthen rural public school districts through STEM grants.

Now through April 1, eligible Missouri farmers can nominate their local public school district to apply for $15,000 science, technology, engineering and math grants through the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program, sponsored by Bayer Fund.

Since the program's start in 2011, Missouri schools have received $1.185 million, thanks to the participation of local farmers. Nationally, that number soars to $18 million to more than 1,000 schools.

Farmers know the needs of their communities, so the Grow Rural Education program specifically asks farmers to nominate a local public school to apply for one of the grants by visiting AmericasFarmers.com.

The process takes less than five minutes and has strengthened schools by bringing together students, teachers, farmers and community members to make STEM programs more engaging.

After the school district receives a nomination, it will be notified. Teachers then are encouraged to submit a grant application describing their desired STEM project by April 15. A panel of qualified math and science teachers reviews the applications and selects the finalists.

The program’s Farmer Advisory Council, consisting of about 30 farming leaders from across the country, then will select the winning school districts.

“Whether a student plans to begin a career immediately after high school or enroll in a college or trade school, it has become increasingly important for them to have a solid STEM foundation,” says Al Mitchell, Bayer Fund president. “Grow Rural Education is unique because we partner with farmers throughout the duration of the program, from the nomination process to selecting grant-winning schools. Through this partnership, we’re inspiring students, transforming classrooms and strengthening rural school districts with STEM grants.”

In the fall, farmers can enroll in the Grow Communities program for the chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a local eligible nonprofit organization, and the Grow Ag Leaders program will begin accepting applications for $1,500 scholarships for students pursuing an education in agriculture-related fields.

To learn more about the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program, visit AmericasFarmers.com or follow along on Facebook at facebook.com/AmericasFarmers.

Source: America’s Farmers, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.