For the second consecutive year, America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, will give Illinois farmers the opportunity to enhance math and science programs in their communities. Now until April 15, farmers can nominate a local public school district to compete for a merit-based grant of up to $25,000. Administrators of nominated districts may then submit grant applications through April 30.

The America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to society.  Following a successful pilot in Minnesota and Illinois, America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education debuted nationally last year, awarding $2.3 million to school districts coast to coast.

“We believe engaging rural youth in their math and science studies lays the foundation for a bright future,” said Deborah Patterson, Monsanto Fund president. “This generation is the future of agriculture, and funding from the Grow Rural Education program helps ensure they are ready to be the next great leaders.”