DATCP: Wisconsin Agricultural Education Foundation awards first grants for educational improvement

Contact: Gary Olson 608-224-5128 gary.olson@wi.gov

MADISON — The Wisconsin Agricultural Education Foundation, formed in part to support the Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council, has awarded its first competitive grants to six high schools around the state.

The presentation, expected to be done annually, rewards schools that demonstrate improvements in their study programs surrounding food, agriculture and natural resources. There were several criteria, including need, instructional enrichment, program transferability, sustainability and unique applications.

The winners and programs are:

* Arcadia – To create displays to promote and inform the community about agriscience and career pathways in agriculture.

* Independence – To purchase equipment to support agricultural science technology lab.

* La Farge – To upgrade computer technology to increase student access to new curriculum

* Markesan – To support acquisition of computer technology for classroom.

* Prairie Farm – To purchase lab equipment for veterinary science class and curriculum materials for a new course in food science and agricultural processing.

* Wonewoc – To purchase CAERT (Center for Agricultural and Environmental Research and Training, Inc.) and other curriculum materials.

Funding for the awards came from private donations provided by companies, foundations, individuals and organizations supporting the Foundation and the efforts of the Council.

To find out how you can support the Council or the Foundation, contact Gary Olson, executive director, Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council, garyj.olson@wi.gov; Bridgett Neu, executive director, Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators, bridgett@waae.com; or Al Herrman, Council and Foundation Chair, adherrman@wisconsinpublicservice.com.