IAA foundation receives $50,000 from Monstanto Fund to support Illinois Agriculture in classroom
The IAA Foundation has received $50,000 from the Monsanto Fund, a private foundation and the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company. The Monsanto Fund's gift will match other funding and in-kind support to enhance Biotechnology lessons as part of the curricular resources for Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC).
"Monsanto Fund has been a long time supporter of Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom," said Susan Moore, Director of the IAA Foundation. "We are most grateful for this gift which will help train teachers and educate children about the science and biotechnology behind the production of food, fiber and renewable fuel, and also help them explore the number of careers available related to both science and agriculture."
With dollars donated by Monsanto Fund, IAITC will update biotechnology materials by developing a new 4th grade level Ag Mag, and for the first time, produce a junior high age level Ag Mag to help reach even more teachers and students. "Ag Mags continue to be the cornerstone publication of the IAITC program and our most recognizable materials," said Kevin Daugherty, education director for Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. "Now that we
can also incorporate these lessons into smart board technology, it's the perfect opportunity to broaden our scope to include junior high students."
"We are excited that Monsanto Fund is supporting Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom's efforts to teach about the world of biotechnology," said Mindy Whittle, Monsanto Soybean Industry Affairs lead and member of the IAITC Executive Coalition. "We believe it is critical for children to have access to agricultural educational resources so that they can understand the important links between agriculture and science. Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom continues to be a leader in providing quality educational opportunities to Illinois youth."
IAITC County Coordinators are involved with teachers and education programming in all 102 Illinois counties, delivering curricular resources that provide activities developing critical thinking, research skills, leadership development and basic educational literacy while exploring issues in agriculture and the environment.
Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom is a program of the IAA Foundation. The mission of the IAA Foundation, Illinois Farm Bureau's charitable foundation is to fund education, research, and charitable activities that benefit Illinois farm families and agriculture. Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom is the top funding priority of the Foundation. Learn more about the IAA Foundation and Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom online at www.iaafoundation.org
About Monsanto Fund:
The Monsanto Fund is the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company. Incorporated in 1964, the Fund's primary objective is to improve the lives of people by bridging the gap between their needs and their resources. The Monsanto Fund is focused on grant-making in three main areas: nutritional improvement through agriculture; science education, primarily on professional development for teachers; and improving the quality of life in communities where Monsanto employees live and work.
Visit the Monsanto Fund at http://www.monsantofund.org/asp/welcome.asp.