US: Strategic Initiatives Grant Program
Deadline: 15-Nov-21
The Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC) has launched Strategic Initiatives Grant Program to support programming for agricultural, food and natural resource education (AFNR) education at the primary, secondary, and postsecondary levels.
Focus Areas
These strategic grants are focused to assist in the following areas:
Access
Implementation of new or expansion of current AFNR education programs that attract new and underserved/underrepresented groups
Development of experiences that grow knowledge and understanding of AFNR systems
Offering career exploration programs that recruit and retain students for the future workforce in agricultural education and agriculture careers
Program Improvement
Creation and/or alignment of AFNR courses for effective integration of science, math and economics standards and principles
Securing equipment and technology needs that enhance student experience and instruction
Development and/or improvement of AFNR curriculum and course delivery methods
Teacher Professional Development
Supporting career lifecycles of agricultural educators (e.g., pre-service, early, mid or late career), which can include professional development opportunities
Creation of programs that recruit, retain and transition instructors at the secondary, postsecondary and adult farm business management levels
Funding Information
Over the last five years, the average grant award is approximately $7,200.
MAELC typically does not fund textbooks, student stipends, and extended contracts.
MAELC will not accept applications for greenhouse structures, however, will still consider funding items such as consumables or other materials.
Higher priority will be given to those applications that show community partnerships and other funding sources to assist in the completion of the project.
MAELC prefers not to sustain repeat projects.
Guidelines
Groups may apply for grants through a sponsoring organization.
They still encourage you to apply. MAELC continues to seek projects that support and expand agricultural education throughout Minnesota and will be flexible, while also taking into account public health and safety.
For more information, visit https://www.mn.gov/maelc/grants/strategic_initiatives_grants.html