Local Farmers Help FCSD3 Win $10,000 Grant to Improve STEM Education

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.

About America’s Farmers

The America’s Farmers campaign highlights the importance of modern U.S. Agriculture through communications and community outreach programs that partner with farmers to impact rural America. To learn more, visit America’s Farmers at www.AmericasFarmers.com.

About the Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.