Milan Agriculture Program Receives Grant for Growing from National FFA Organization

The funding will support the purchase of new equipment to be incorporated into agriculture classes throughout the school year

(Milan, Ind.) - The Milan agriculture program has been awarded a $3,850 Grant for Growing through the National FFA Organization.

The grant is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company through its annual Paper Emblem fundraiser held during National FFA Week each February.

The funding will provide the Milan agriculture program with new data-collecting sensors, and a variety of microscope slides that students will use throughout the school year to conduct hands-on investigations and explore real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and agriculture.

“These resources will give our students opportunities to do more than simply learn about agriculture; they will allow them to investigate, collect data, analyze results, and draw their own conclusions,” said Breeanna Sides, the Milan agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. “The goal is to give students meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect STEM concepts to agriculture and help them see the many scientific and technological opportunities available within the agricultural industry.”

The new equipment will be incorporated into agriculture classes throughout the school year. Students will use the sensors to collect and analyze data during classroom investigations and utilize microscope slides to explore biological and agricultural concepts. These experiences will help students develop skills in observation, data collection, scientific reasoning, and problem-solving.

The grant will also support the program's Agriscience Fair projects at the end of the school year. Students will be able to use the equipment and skills they develop throughout the year to design and conduct their own agricultural research projects.

Through this process, students will experience the complete research process, from developing a question and collecting data to analyzing their results and presenting their findings.