Grant to Talbot County Public Schools to Enhance STEM Curriculum

In early 2020, Bayer Fund’s America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education partnered with local farmers to nominate rural public school districts and award grants to enhance their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum. Because area farmers answered the call, through Grow Rural Education, Bayer Fund awarded a $15,000 grant to Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS) located in Talbot County, MD.

Mr. Bill Keswick, Supervisor of Science wrote the $15,000 grant, funded by the Bayer Fund American’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program thanks to a nomination by Mrs. Della Andrew along with several other local farmers.

A brighter tomorrow for farming communities starts with a commitment from Bayer Fund today, which is why the America’s Farmers programs have awarded more than $57 million to rural America since 2010. TCPS is one of the many school districts across the country that has benefited from Bayer Fund’s Grow Rural Education program.

Grow Rural Education grants have helped schools purchase an array of STEM-related materials, such as augmented-reality sandboxes, weather-forecasting and robotics equipment. TCPS will use the Grow Rural Education funds to assist middle and high school students in developing data literacy in life science.  The MiniOne units will also be used by students in Advanced Placement Biology and Environmental Science along with the CASE agricultural programs.

“Science education at TCPS is focused on two main ideas, critical thinking and equity.” said Mr. Bill Keswick, Supervisor of Science.  “Using the phenomena of how DNA can determine relatedness, students will participate hands-on authentic labs that will allow them to integrate all three dimensions outlined in the NGSS. We would like to thank the local farmers who nominated our district to apply for the Grow Rural Education Grant, as well as Bayer Fund’s Farmer Advisory Council who believed we could make a difference with the funds.”

To qualify for a Grow Rural Education grant, farmers nominate a public school district to compete for a merit-based $15,000 grant. School districts that are nominated, then submit a grant application describing their STEM-focused project. Grow Rural Education’s Farmer Advisory Council, consisting of a panel of math and science teachers and approximately 30 farmer leaders from across the country, review the finalist applications and select the winning school districts, including TCPS.

“Bayer Fund and the farmers we partner with feel incredibly passionate about Grow Rural Education because we’re investing in our children – who are our future – by enhancing STEM learning in rural public school districts,” said Al Mitchell, President, Bayer Fund. “We are always amazed by the incredible support of local farmers, as well as the countless ways Grow Rural Education brings teachers, students and people in the community together to set children up for success.”

To view a complete list of winners or to learn more about the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program, visit AmericasFarmers.com or follow along on Facebook at facebook.com/AmericasFarmers. Farmers are also encouraged to participate in Bayer Fund’s America’s Farmers Grow Communities program. Grow Communities protects the programs and institutions that keep farmers and their communities thriving by allowing farmers to enroll for a chance to direct a $2,500 donation to their favorite local eligible nonprofit organization.

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Heikes (right) of Belle Aire Farms nominated Talbot County Public Schools for the Bayer Fund’s $15,000 America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education grant. Mr. Bill Keswick, Science Supervisor wrote the grant for MiniOne Lab equipment.

About America’s Farmers

America’s Farmers, sponsored by Bayer Fund, is focused on strengthening rural America through three community outreach programs that partner with farmers to make an impact in communities where farmers live and work. The programs have given more than $57 million to rural America since 2010 and include:

• America’s Farmers Grow Communities supports rural communities by allowing farmers the opportunity to direct a $2,500 donation to their favorite local nonprofit organization.
• America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education supports rural education by providing $15,000 merit-based grants to enhance STEM education.
• America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders supports students pursuing ag-related studies by offering $1,500 scholarships towards higher education.

To learn more, visit America’s Farmers at www.americasfarmers.com.

About Bayer Fund

Bayer Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where Bayer customers and employees live and work by providing funding for food and nutrition, education and community development projects.