By Andi Anderson
The Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) program has received $647,000 in grants to promote agricultural literacy in 88 counties throughout the state.
These grants aim to enhance agriculture education by providing schools with materials, training, lessons, and activities during the 2024 to 2025 academic year. This initiative seeks to increase students' understanding of agriculture’s role in daily life and the economy.
IAITC is supported by several key partners, including the Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, and the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
These organizations collaborate to offer resources that help teachers integrate agriculture topics into their classrooms.
The county grants are funded by the IAA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Illinois Farm Bureau. In addition to the county grants, the IAA Foundation supports several educational programs such as Ag Mags, teacher grants, and Summer Ag Academies, all of which provide further resources and opportunities for educators to improve agricultural literacy.
These grants ensure that both teachers and students have access to high-quality agriculture education, preparing future generations to understand the importance of farming and food production.
For more information on the IAITC program or to contribute, visit their website to learn how to support the mission of improving agricultural education in Illinois schools.
Photo Credit: illinois-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Illinois, Education, Government & Policy