AgStar Fund Awards $50,000 in Grants to School Agriculture Programs
MANKATO, Minn., (December 15, 2009) – The AgStar Fund for Rural America, the corporate giving program of AgStar Financial Services, is proud to announce $50,000 in grants was recently awarded through their AgStar Agriculture Classroom Equipment Grant Program. This program awards grants up to $2,500 towards funding equipment for high school agriculture classrooms.
AgStar awarded grants to twenty-four rural high school agriculture programs in their service area. “AgStar knows how vital ag education courses are in high schools and we want to make sure students are provided with the most up-to-date equipment to enhance their learning environment,” said Jody Bloemke, Fund Administrator.
Agricultural education in high schools develops leadership skills and prepares students interested in careers in the agricultural field. Agricultural curriculum develops management, job, communication, literacy and other applied academic skills and educates students for careers and lifelong learning. These courses also build awareness of opportunities in agriculture and help students become better informed as consumers.
One of the largest problems faced by rural high schools is funding programs when they are faced with increasing budget cuts. “Agriculture departments in rural areas are struggling on limited budgets, many lacking adequate and up-to-date equipment to provide hands-on teaching tools,” Bloemke said. “AgStar created this grant program because we are committed to rural America and are proud to support the rural and agricultural communities where we operate”.
About AgStar:
AgStar Financial Services, ACA, headquartered in Mankato, Minn., employs more than 500 full-time team members. The company is part of the national Farm Credit System and has a public mission to serve 69 counties in Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. AgStar’s industry specialization, client segments and market delivery systems result in diversification nationwide. The company has expertise in the corn, soybean, swine, dairy, and bio-energy industries. AgStar has developed successful programs in loans, leases, crop insurance, tax services, accounting, consulting and rural home mortgages. The company is also committed to giving back to rural residents, organizations and communities through AgStar’s Fund for Rural America, a corporate giving program. In 2008, over $650,000 was donated by the AgStar Fund. Visit www.AgStar.com for more information.
Contact: Jody Bloemke
Jody.Bloemke@AgStar.com
507-345-5656
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