Oak Ridge R-VI receives $10,000 grant

Oak Ridge R-VI School District receives $10,000 grant to support physics research

District named winner in America's Farmers Grow Rural Education℠

OAK RIDGE, Mo. (Oct. 12, 2012) -- High school students in Oak Ridge R-VI can now advance their scientific studies through a new physics research course. Thanks to the support of local farmers and America's Farmers Grow Rural Education℠, Oak Ridge R-VI School District received a $10,000 grant to procure the materials, supplies and equipment needed to develop an advanced physics research course.

America's Farmers Grow Rural Education, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, gives farmers the opportunity to nominate a public school district in their community to compete for a grant of either $10,000 or $25,000 to enhance education in the areas of math and/or science. More than 1,000 nominated school districts submitted applications. The Monsanto Fund will invest $2.3 million into rural education through this program.

"This grant will help fulfill the need and goal for science growth through curriculum development and research," said Gerald Landewee, superintendent of Oak Ridge R-VI. "The new physics research course will amp up our existing physics program by integrating concepts from biology, chemistry, environmental science and physical science to provide a more in-depth module."

After being nominated by local farmers, school districts completed an online application, and finalists were chosen by math and science teachers from ineligible school districts. The America's Farmers Grow Rural Education Advisory Council, a group of 26 prominent farmers from across the country, then reviewed the finalists' applications and selected the winners.

"America's Farmers Grow Rural Education℠ is a wonderful opportunity for rural schools," Landewee said. "It allows us to teach more advanced programs and to continue the tradition of agriculture in our communities. We are extremely appreciative of the farmers that took the time to nominate us and of the community's support of our school."

Oak Ridge R-VI School District was presented with the $10,000 grant during a presentation at Oak Ridge R-VI High School on Thursday, Oct. 11.

America's Farmers Grow Rural Education started with a successful pilot in Illinois and Minnesota in 2011, in which farmers were given the opportunity to nominate a public school district in 165 eligible counties in those two states. The Monsanto Fund awarded more than $266,000 to local schools in 16 CRDs. Now, the program has expanded to 1,245 eligible counties in 39 states.

America's Farmers Grow Rural Education helps farmers positively impact their communities and supports local rural school districts. This program is part of the Monsanto Fund's overall effort to support rural education and communities. Another program that is part of this effort is America's Farmers Grow Communities, which gives winning farmers the opportunity to direct a $2,500 donation to their favorite community nonprofit organization in their county. Farmers can participate in this program through Nov. 30, 2012 by visiting www.growcommunities.com.

About the Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

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