Minnesota State Senator Bill Lieske (R-Lonsdale) today praised two schools in his district for receiving competitive grants from the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC) to enhance agricultural education programs.
Farmington High School was awarded a $6,000 grant for its “Floral Design Materials” project, allowing the agriculture department to purchase materials needed to improve the floral design curriculum and align it more closely with industry standards. The grant provides students with hands-on opportunities to practice real-world skills.
Northfield High School received a $15,801 grant for their “Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Program Support” project. The funds will be used to purchase classroom equipment supporting Northfield’s new AFNR education program.
“Top-notch ag education programs like those available at Farmington and Northfield are critical for preparing our next generation of farmers and industry leaders,” said Senator Lieske. “Quality ag education does more than train the farmers of tomorrow – it prepares a skilled workforce for Minnesota’s vast food, agriculture, and natural resources industries. These MAELC grants will help more students to get valuable, career-oriented training in important fields.”
Since its creation, MAELC has awarded over $26.5 million in competitive grants, scholarships and sponsored projects benefiting agricultural and natural resources education statewide.
MAELC’s mission is to provide leadership that promotes and expands agricultural education in Minnesota. Established in 1997 by the Minnesota Legislature, MAELC is comprised of sixteen educators, legislators, government officials, and agribusiness and community organization representatives. The Council represents all of the major institutions and groups in Minnesota with an interest in agricultural education and serves as a focal point for initiatives to improve agricultural education in the state. Funding for MAELC operations and programming is through the State of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.