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Monsanto Outreach Grant
Monsanto Outreach for Agriculture 2007 Award Recipients
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From Left to Right
Monica Pastor, Arizona-Consortium President
Victoria Nagle, Alaska "Farm Deck"
Maria Samot, South Carolina "Life of a Feeder Steer"
Karen Davis, Virginia "Periodic Chart of Elements"
Jammy Turner, Monsanto Southern Region Representative |
New Orleans, Louisiana-- Monsanto announced today, at the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, intentions to extend a gift of $50,000 to the Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) Consortium. AITC is a grassroots student educational program coordinated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with chapters in all states and territories. State AITC programs address the need for agriculture literacy at the K-12 student level, with innovative curricular efforts designed specifically to reach non-traditional agriculture students.
"The AITC Consortium is privileged to continue utilizing these grant dollars which will benefit students and teachers around the country who want to learn more about agriculture," said Monica Pastor, Arizona Agriculture in the Classroom, president of Agriculture in the Classroom Consortium. "In an era of shrinking financial resources, Monsanto's gift continues to enhance our state programs through the competitive grant process. This gift provides additional opportunities for deserving educational projects at the state level which are shared with all states."
The Monsanto gift will be used to fund three projects per year over the next three years through a competitive state-level grant process administered by the AITC Consortium. The grants will award outstanding initiatives developed by state AITC programs focused on biotechnology, plant sciences, or agriculture and the environment. Supporting AITC allows Monsanto to maintain its commitment to science education and grassroots efforts that improve the understanding of biotechnology.
"Monsanto believes the educational efforts undertaken by AITC state programs are as important as they have ever been," said Kerry Preete, Vice President of Monsanto, U.S. Crop Production. "Science education is fundamental to fully appreciate the contribution agriculture makes in our society and we believe AITC is committed to educating the next generation of consumers and opinion leaders about these issues."
This grant continuation was marked by the announcement of the 2007 Monsanto Outreach for Agriculture awards. “The AITC Consortium is pleased to announce the grants of $5,000 to Alaska, South Carolina, and Virginia AITC Programs that will benefit students and teachers through professional development activities and agriculture related workshops. “This years winning projects involving the life of a feeder steer, the periodic chart of elements and a farm to table teacher/student resource deck” said Pastor, “these projects will be utilized by their own states and will serve as models for many other states.”
Alaska, Virginia and South Carolina AITC Programs were selected as the recipients of the grants after an impartial grant review conducted by the National AITC Consortium. “Science education is fundamental in preparing the future generations of consumers and opinion leaders. Monsanto is proud to recognize these diverse programs that represent a commitment to improving the understanding and plant sciences, animal sciences and biotechnology of students. Monsanto is committed to show students the contribution agriculture makes to our society,” said Jammy Turner, Midsouth Chemistry Sales Representative.
The National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference held in New Orleans, Louisiana explores the 'Spicy' Combination of Education and Agriculture with a Mardi Gras flair, June 6-9, 2007. Designed for teachers and volunteers who have an interest in agricultural literacy, the AITC National Conference demonstrates how to incorporate agricultural concepts across the curriculum through interesting and engaging activities and lessons.
Sponsored and hosted by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Louisiana Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, this conference features agricultural literacy programs presented by experienced, enthusiastic teachers and other professionals. For more information about the conference or to contact a state USDA AITC lead visit www. agclassroom.org.
Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON - News) is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. You can learn more about Monsanto's commitment to youth and science education by visiting the company's website at www.monsanto.com and clicking on "Our pledge" and then "Commitment to Youth."
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