Berne-Knox-Westerlo is proud to announce that the district has been awarded an Agricultural Education Incentive Grant through Cornell University’s Agriculture Education Outreach program.
The grant monies will be used during the current school year “to offer opportunities and improve programming for our BKW agriscience students and FFA members,” said BKW Secondary School teacher and FFA advisor Michaela Kehrer.
The grant funding will be used for educational outreach materials and FFA Affiliate member chapter dues, which allows all BKW students to participate in the FFA at no cost.
“Because our dues are paid, I’ve noticed an increase in student engagement in the FFA. Projects like the high tunnel, chickens and chicken coop would not have been possible without the grants from our supporters,” said BKW student and FFA member River Townsend.
“Because of these grants, more opportunities have been created for students and FFA members alike in order to leave a permanent positive impact on the school such as the Uhai Trail and other community service projects we have worked on,” said fellow student and FFA member Mackenzie Lawrence.
“This grant will further support our vision for the agriSTEAM program by allowing us to connect with the community and offer educational materials,” said Bonnie Kane, BKW’s college and career readiness coordinator.
This year’s grant totals $2,300. In total, the agriSTEAM program has received $9,925 in grants and scholarships in the last year. BKW has been awarded funds through the grant program in the past, including in 2018.
“We are pleased to support your work in building a quality agricultural education program, and we look forward to hearing about your progress,” said Agricultural Education Incentive Grant Manager Sarah Hale of Cornell University.