By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Union City Schools has received a $15,000 grant from the Bayer Fund to enhance the STEM curriculum at UC Elementary School.
Science, technology, engineering and math programs for third and fourth graders at UCES will benefit from the Grow Rural Education gift that will help purchase an array of STEM-related materials for students and programs.
Union City Schools submitted a grant application describing their STEM-focused project. A Farmer’s Advisory Council consisting of 30 famers across the country and a panel of math and science teachers reviewed the applications and selected the winning school districts.
America’s Farmers programs have awarded more than $57 million to rural America in the last 10 years.
Paige McMillan, a member of the UC High School science department, has been the facilitator of the gift and is purchasing materials for elementary school students.
Grow Rural Education grants have helped schools purchase an array of STEM-related materials, such as augmented-reality sandboxes, weather-forecasting and robotics equipment. Union City Schools will use the GRE funds for a variety of projects during the 2020-21 school year.
“As educators, we are constantly thinking of new ways to engage our students and help them realize the importance of STEM skills now and in the future,” said Rene Flood, Director of Teachers and Learning at UC Schools. “We would like to thank the local farmers who nominated our district to apply for the Grow Rural Education Grant, as well as Bayer Fund’s Farmer Advisory Council who believed we could make a difference with the funds.”]
To qualify for a Grow Rural Education grant, farmers nominate a public school district to compete for a merit-based $15,000 grant. School districts that are nominated, then submit a grant application describing their STEM-focused project.
“Bayer Fund and the farmers we partner with feel incredibly passionate about Grow Rural Education because we’re investing in our children – who are our future – by enhancing STEM learning in rural public school districts,” said Al Mitchell, President, Bayer Fund. “We are always amazed by the incredible support of local farmers, as well as the countless ways Grow Rural Education brings teachers, students and people in the community together to set children up for success.”
To view a complete list of winners or to learn more about the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program, visit AmericasFarmers.com or follow along on Facebook at facebook.com/AmericasFarmers. Farmers are also encouraged to participate in Bayer Fund’s America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, which is accepting farmer enrollments through November 1, 2020.
Grow Communities protects the programs and institutions that keep farmers and their communities thriving by allowing farmers to enroll for a chance to direct a $2,500 donation to their favorite local eligible nonprofit organization.
About America’s Farmers
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 $57 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 www.americasfarmers.com.
About Bayer Fund
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.