Program looks for farmer nominations to get STEM funds in schools

Press release

ST. LOUIS, Mo. —The America’s Farmers programs, sponsored by Bayer Fund, are back for another year to strengthen farming communities across Montana.

Beginning Jan. 1, America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education is partnering with farmers across the country to help strengthen rural public school districts through $15,000 STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — grants.

Since 2010, America’s Farmers have awarded more than $53 million to worthy causes, students and public schools across the country. Because farmers know the needs of their communities, the America’s Farmers programs rely on them to help identify the most worthy causes.

For the Grow Rural Education program specifically, farmers nominate a local public school to apply for one of the grants by visiting http://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.

To nominate their local school district for a Grow Rural Education grant, eligible farmers in Montana can visit AmericasFarmers.com from Jan. 1 to April 1 and complete the nomination form. The Grow Rural Education program 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, they will be notified and teachers 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 approximately 30 farming leaders from across the country, will then 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,” said Bayer Fund President Al Mitchell. “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.

Since its inception in 2011, the Grow Rural Education program has awarded more than $18 million in grants to over 1,000 schools nationwide. In Montana alone, more than $35,000 has been awarded to local public schools. To learn more about the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program, visit http://www.AmericasFarmers.com or follow along on Facebook at http://facebook.com/AmericasFarmers .

America’s Farmers, sponsored by Bayer Fund, is focused on strengthening rural America through three community outreach programs that partner with farmers to make an impact in communities where farmers live and work. The programs have given more than $53 million to rural America since 2010 and include:

• America’s Farmers Grow Communities supports rural communities by allowing farmers the opportunity to direct a $2,500 donation to their favorite local nonprofit organization.

• America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education supports rural education by providing $15,000 merit-based grants to enhance STEM education.

• America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders supports students pursuing ag-related studies by offering $1,500 scholarships towards higher education. 

To learn more, visit America’s Farmers at http://www.americasfarmers.com .

Bayer Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where Bayer customers and employees live and work by providing funding for food and nutrition, education and community development projects.

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• America’s Farmers, sponsored by Bayer Fund, partners with farmers to support causes and individuals who live, learn and are committed to bettering their communities.

• Now through April 1, eligible Montana farmers can nominate their local public school district to apply for $15,000 STEM grants through the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program, sponsored by Bayer Fund.

• In Montana, $35,000 has been awarded to schools across the state, thanks to the participation of local farmers.