Bayer CropScience, in partnership with the National FFA Organization, will provide grants to inspire interest in agriculture and apiculture professions among America’s youth throughout 2015. The grant program will help FFA members develop their unique talents and explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers with a focus on finding solutions that will help honey bees thrive. The program is a demonstration of Bayer’s continued commitment to engage with partners who focus on developing future STEM leaders, improving science literacy and driving bee health awareness.
“Bayer CropScience has been a longstanding advocate of FFA and supports its mission of building the next generation of farming leaders across America,” said Dr. Becky Langer, manager of Bayer‘s Bee Care Program. “Through this new initiative, we can help inspire young people to learn more about agriculture, create innovative solutions to some of our greatest industry challenges, and pave the way for the future of farming.”
"We are excited about the opportunities that this partnership will give to our members," said Molly Ball, president of National FFA Foundation. "Thanks to supporters like Bayer CropScience, FFA continues to grow future leaders in the agricultural industry."
As a special project of the National FFA Foundation, Bayer’s investment of $50,000 will go toward three types of grants: Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) grants, Environmental Chapter grants and State grants.
Environmental and state grants will be awarded in the spring of 2015, and work can begin immediately after notification. SAE grants will be awarded in fall of 2015 for activities to be conducted in 2016.
For more information about the Bayer and FFA grant program, please visit www.FFA.org.