By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC) has shown its dedication to amplifying agricultural education in the state. This year, they've provided a notable $250,000 in grants to school districts, tertiary institutions, and various organizations that champion the cause.
Over 26 years, MAELC has committed an impressive sum exceeding $26.4 million through scholarships, sponsored projects, and competitive grants. This funding emanates from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
A wide array of institutions benefited this year:
Schools like Adrian High and Ashby Public received funds for equipment and expansion of their agricultural programs.
Central Lakes College garnered resources for their innovative "Farm Business Basics" course.
Institutions such as Duluth East High and Holdingford High gained support for hands-on training and updated equipment, respectively.
And many more, each striving to foster a rich educational experience for their students.
Organizations like the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators and the Minnesota FFA Association received support for professional development and program enhancement.
These grant provisions fall into two categories: Strategic Initiatives and Common Fund grants. The former aligns with the 2025 Minnesota Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resource (AFNR) Education Blueprint.
It focuses on expanding AFNR education access, refining current offerings, and uplifting teacher professional development. The latter, Common Fund grants, target applications with a statewide impact, aiming to achieve specific AFNR Blueprint objectives.
For those interested in tapping into this support system, the next deadline for MAELC grant applications is on the horizon: November 15, 2023. More details can be found on their official site at https://mn.gov/maelc/grants.html.
Photo Credit: MAELC
Categories: Minnesota, Education