Montana schools to receive grants for agriculture education

Monday, December 7, 2009 1:41 PM MST

Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau announced that the Office of Public Instruction awarded nearly $119,000 in grants to advance agriculture education. Seventy-nine Montana schools will receive grants to help prepare students for successful careers in agriculture—a $2.8 billion industry in Montana.

"These grants are an investment in the young people who will shape the future of Montana agriculture," said Juneau. "Advancements in agriculture education will fuel the state’s economy and serve its residents for many years to come.”

The 2009 Legislature appropriated the funds for agriculture education and established a funding account to accept donations to support the Advancing Agricultural Education in Montana Program under HB464, which passed in the 2009 Legislative Session, or for related payments to advance agricultural education in Montana schools.

The program also allows for donations from Montana citizens to help Montana's schools fund agriculture education programs and related projects without relying only on the current funding provided schools based on levies or current property taxes. Donations from private individuals, businesses, organizations, foundations or other donors are accepted, and Juneau thanked state senator Taylor Brown for the first donation of $5,000.

"We are pleased to be a part of the efforts to encourage agricultural education in Montana's K-12 schools," said Superintendent Juneau. "Agriculture is an important industry in Montana and vital piece of Montana history and heritage. Agriculture programs in schools will help ensure that it is a part of our future."

More than 4,000 students are enrolled in agriculture education in secondary programs in Montana. There are currently agriculture education programs in 76 school districts in Montana, about one-half of the secondary districts. The state has more than 29,500 farms and ranches and over 60.9 million acres of farmland.

Montanans who wish to contribute may write checks payable to the Office of Public Instruction by writing "Ag Ed Donation" on the memo line of the check. Donations should be mailed to: Montana Office of Public Instruction; Denise Juneau, Superintendent; P.O. Box 202501; Helena, Montana 59620

The list of schools who will receive grants is available here:

http://opi.mt.gov/PDF/Superintendent/SchoolsCommunities_AgGrants2009.pdf

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