4H receives grant for Agriculture in the Classroom
Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 4H has received a $2,500 grant from the Literacy Coalition of Madison County for its Ag in the Classroom Program. The program will incorporate the American Farm Bureau’s Book of the Year, “John Deere, That’s Who!” into lessons that will reach 800 third-grade students in Madison County this school year. Each class participating in the program will receive a copy of the book for continued reading.
With less than 2 percent of the population in agricultural careers, it is more important than ever for youth to consider agriculture and agri-business ventures. Students participating in Ag in the Classroom programs learn about diverse agricultural fields. They also learn skills for leading a healthy lifestyle, as health and wellness are built-in components of the curriculum. Students are introduced to the benefits of healthy produce and proper portions.
4H is one of four local groups in Madison County that were awarded program grants recently for their literacy efforts. The Literacy Coalition of Madison County is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving literacy in the county.
The LCMC facilitates literacy improvement in the county through collaboration with the many dedicated businesses, schools, libraries and agencies who serve the needs of our area. Literacy Coalition Coordinator Dyann Nashton reported that the Literacy Coalition of Madison County offers Madison County Reads Ahead, a free one-on-one tutoring program to help adults get their high school equivalency diploma. The Coalition also facilitates the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, offered in county libraries and a few school libraries.
The LCMC, which is supported in large part by the Central New York Community Foundation, is placing a special focus this year on financial and digital literacy for adults as well as kindergarten readiness.
For more information about the Literacy Coalition of Madison County, call (315) 749-3654 or email dnashton@midyork.org.