RICHMOND—School gardens and farm field trips provide valuable real-life learning experiences for children. But some educators don’t have the resources to make them happen.

That’s why Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom is launching another round of educator grants for those who want to provide agricultural experiences for children inside and outside the classroom. The grants aim to help educators expand children’s understanding about the sources of their food and fiber, and how farming and agriculture impact their daily lives.

Virginia AITC will award over $30,000 for the 2024-25 school year to support educator projects. Teachers and other organizations like 4-H clubs and FFA chapters that work with schools and parent-teacher associations can apply for up to $500 for agriculture-related initiatives.

“AITC grants provide teachers with an opportunity to connect students to a wide variety of agricultural experiences,” said Tammy Maxey, Virginia AITC’s executive director. “Projects like school gardens, incubators and growing systems can benefit multiple classes, grade levels and even the entire school for several years after the original grant—creating an ongoing opportunity for student agricultural literacy.”

The deadline for grant applications is Oct. 13. However, applications received by Aug. 15 will be eligible for AITC’s expedited notification. This early decision allows educators to begin their projects at the beginning of the school year. Educators who complete the application early will be notified by Sept. 8.

Grant projects can occur at school or in the community, and may include learning gardens, STEM integrations or unique agricultural experiences for students.

Last year, AITC awarded 75 grants, totaling over $36,000 and reaching 30,000 youth. One grant project was led by Ashlee Painter, a family and consumer sciences teacher at Stonewall Jackson High School in Shenandoah County.

Painter created a farm-to-table experience with her students using an indoor hydroponic garden to grow herbs and produce, which they harvested and ate.

“I wanted my students to learn where the produce comes from that they cook with, along with the care required to cultivate it,” Painter explained. “They loved coming into class every day to see if their plants had grown and had conversations about whether the produce was ready to pick or not, which showed me they were truly learning.”

To apply for a grant, or to learn more about educational activities available through Virginia AITC, visit virginia.agclassroom.org/teachers/grants.

The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes a greater understanding and appreciation of agriculture through education and outreach activities. For information about Virginia AITC’s fundraising events, including the AITC Clay Shoot and the second annual Taste of Virginia culinary event, visit virginia.agclassroom.org/donors/events.

Media: Contact Maxey at 804-290-1143.