A movement is underway to improve the math and science aptitude of today’s students. For the second year in a row, the Monsanto Fund is gearing-up to invest $2.3 million to strengthen math and science education in rural communities through America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education℠.

Now until April 15, 2013, farmers can nominate their favorite, local public school district. Administrators of nominated school districts can then submit grant applications through April 30, 2013 to enhance their math and/or science programs.

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 in 1,245 counties across 39 states. Its reach has grown to include 1,271 counties this year.

America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education offers farmers the opportunity to nominate rural public school districts to compete for a grant of either $10,000 or $25,000. Nominated school districts can then submit an application for either grant amount. Winners will be announced in August 2013.

School districts that apply for a $10,000 grant will compete against other school districts in the same USDA-appointed Crop Reporting District (CRD). CRDs with fewer than five eligible school districts will compete against each other for a single, $10,000 grant. School districts that apply for a $25,000 grant will compete against schools that are located in the same state or designated region.

Grants will be awarded by the Monsanto Fund based on merit, need and community support. The America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education Advisory Council, a group of 30 farmer leaders from across the country, will select the winning grant applications. Advisory Council members were selected based on their passion for agriculture and education, as well as experience in rural school districts.