Midwest Central CUSD 191 boosts science education through technology
America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education grants support math and science education

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[October 11, 2014]  MANITO - Midwest Central CUSD 191 has received a $10,000 grant from America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. The district will use the money to purchase thirty-two Chromebook computers for Midwest Central Middle School to connect students to community members through technology.

Students will conduct self-paced math lessons that will allow them to work at an advanced level, as well as conduct virtual science experiments and share results with a larger educational community with the computers. The district will also use the Chromebooks during a parent education program designed to connect parents to the ideas and technologies their children are learning to use at school.

“The Chromebooks will increase the resources teachers have available to meet the various needs of students in their classrooms and the instructional demands of teaching science,” said District Librarian Dee Hohenshell. “The enriched environment will foster critical thinking skills and networking beyond the classroom walls. Only when technology is readily available in the classroom for every student can the STEM ideals be achieved.”
 


According to Hohenshell, area farmers have emphasized the importance of knowing how to use technology to be successful in the field of agriculture. This past spring, local farmers nominated the district for a chance to apply for the grant. School administrators then designed a science-based project for the grant application. Once all of the school district applications were submitted, a panel of math and science teachers reviewed each application and selected finalists. An advisory council, composed of farmer-leaders with an interest in agriculture and education, then selected the winning grant applications from a pool of finalists.

“Agriculture has become one of the most technologically advanced industries, so farmers are very aware of the need for superior math and science education, particularly in their own communities,” said Monsanto Customer Advocacy Lead Linda Arnold. “We are proud to partner with farmers to support the things that are most important to them—schools, youth, and their community.”

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Midwest Central CUSD 191 celebrated receiving the grant on Monday, September 29th, before the varsity volleyball game. Nominating farmers, school representatives and a local Monsanto representative Derek Struebing attended the event. Superintendent Todd Hellrigel, who also attended the check presentation, added that Midwest Central values and appreciates the support from our local farming community and that their nomination made this grant possible.

Grow Rural Education encourages farmers to nominate a local public school district, which can then compete for a grant of up to $25,000. Since 2011, Grow Rural Education has invested more than $7 million to support math and science education in rural school districts across the country.

This program is part of the America’s Farmers initiative, which partners with farmers to support education, service organizations and youth in rural America. Visit GrowRuralEducation.com to see the full list of winners for this year. A sister program, America’s Farmers Grow Communities is currently in its enrollment period. To sign up, visit GrowCommunities.com.

[Todd Hellrigel, Midwest Central School]

 

 

About America’s Farmers

The America’s Farmers campaign highlights the importance of modern US Agriculture through communications and community outreach programs that partner with farmers to impact rural America. To learn more, visit America’s Farmers at www.AmericasFarmers.com

About the Monsanto Fund
The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org 

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