Educators who want to start projects that help students understand agriculture are encouraged to apply for Virginia’s Agriculture in the Classroom’s educator grants.

Virginia AITC has more than $30,000 available for the 2023-24 school year to support hands-on classroom agricultural experiences. Teachers and other organizations like 4-H clubs and FFA chapters that work with schools, and parent-teacher associations can apply for up to $500 for agriculture-related initiatives.

The deadline for grant applications is Oct. 13.

“School-age children in all grade levels across Virginia have an opportunity to investigate agriculture, whether by growing a garden, hatching chicks or even creating a community ag library,” said Tammy Maxey, Virginia AITC’s executive director. “This program increases awareness of how we interact with our environment and spurs ideas about how to meet our needs today and in the future.”

Grant projects may occur at school or in the community, and may includ...