A few kind words from local farmers could earn up to $25,000 for Beaufort County Schools.
After being nominated by a local farmer, Southside High School agriculture teacher Josh Singleton applied for a grant from the Monsanto Fund. The America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education grant was established last year to help rural counties like Beaufort County.
The grants are awarded based on merit, need and community support. Farmers demonstrate support by filling out a short nomination form. The more nominations the district receives, the better its chances are of winning a grant.
Beaufort County Schools’ Michele Oros said BCS was in the running last year, too.
“Last year, 23 farmers nominated our county, but Craven (County) ended up winning for our region,” she said.
Nearly 4,000 school districts were nominated last year. The fund awarded 176 grants totaling $2.3 million.
Eligible farmers must be do not have to be Monsanto Co. customers. They do have to be at least 21 years old, actively engaged in farming a minimum of 250 acres. To view additional instructions and nominate Beaufort County, go to http://www.americasfarmers.com/growruraleducation/
The nomination deadline is April 15.