For additional information on these programs please contact Dawn at the Macomb County Farm Bureau office at (586) 727-0025.

AG IN THE CLASSROOM

Agriculture touches lives daily from food and clothing to medicine and fuel. This is why it is important to integrate agriculture into schools across Michigan. Michigan Farm Bureau and county Farm Bureau's across the state carry out a variety of AITC programs.

Ag in the classroom is a grassroots program generally conducted by local farmers and agricultural leaders. Its goal is to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in our society. It is a program geared to school children & customized by grade level, Kindergarten through 12th grade. These lessons usually take about 1 hour depending on class participation.

There are accredited lesson plans about seeds, soils & gardening, understanding insects and bees (which insects are good and which ones are bad), chickens, cows, various commodities and where in our state they are grown, etc. Whether it is planting seeds or testing the water for PH - what better way is there for kids to learn and participate? We've received incredible response from not only teachers, but the students as well. In addition, there are educational videos and books. Ag in the classroom is greatly needed and we are here to help!

PROJECT R.E.D. (Rural Education Day) -  Is a project sponsored by Macomb County Farm Bureau with volunteer help from the agricultural community, usually held towards the end of April. Its' purpose is to give 3rd grade students from local schools a fun, hands-on experience, sort of an inside look at agriculture and how it helps them in their everyday life.

Project RED is FREE! The only cost involved may be your transportation costs to get the students to the Armada Fairgrounds. Teachers decide if they would like students to attend a morning or afternoon session.  This year it will be held on April 21st at the Armada Fairgrounds. All Macomb County Elementary Schools were sent invitations to attend.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

Macomb County Scholarship - Purpose: To award students for their achievement in Agricultural (Ag) related course studies and help them further their education. Macomb County Farm Bureau may awarding two - $1000 scholarships toward the continued agricultural education area students.

There are many web sites available to see agricultural career choices, such as: http://www.csrees.usda.gov , http://www.nal.usda.gov/Kids/careers.htm, http://www.agday.org/education/careers.php
Qualifications:
- Student does not have to be a member to apply, but must be a member before receiving award.
- Student must be a resident of Macomb County.
- Applicant must provide a brief and concise essay describing their educational and career goals.
- Applicant must provide an official transcript from the previous two years of high school and/or college.
- Applicant must provide an outline of proposed academic program with course names.
- Applicant must provide two letters of recommendation - one from an Ag Professional and one from an Employer or Educator.
- Student must submit application, essay and letters of recommendation, before March 1, 2009.

For more information on our 2009 scholarship program click the link below.

2009 Scholarship Application & Qualifications.doc

Through Michigan Farm Bureau The Marge Karker Farm Bureau Scholarship is for $1,500 that will be applied to their tuition. Deadline to apply is in December. It is designed for students enrolled in a two-year Agriculture Technology program at Michigan State University.
- Student recipient must be from a Farm Bureau family or have their own membership.
- Student should be prepared to show financial need.
- Student should have a scholastic average of 2.6 or above.

MINI-GRANT PROGRAM - FUND FOR EDUCATION - The Promotion & Education Committee took on a special project to promote agriculture to local school children. The program was available for elementary and middle schools in the local area and will promote opportunities for students to learn, develop knowledge, and perhaps a love for gardening. They provided four (4) grants to Macomb County Schools to promote education in gardening.

Schools were selected from applications received and the winners were announced on April 26th. They are: L'Anse Creuse Middle School, Francis Higgins Elementary, South River Elementary and H. H. Wiley Elementary School.

This will provide an excellent start for children to get a "hands on" experience that will carry them into their future with gardening. Watch for more information on the 2009 program or call the county office

YOUNG PEOPLES CITIZENSHIP SEMINAR:
Students learn about the power of their vote. On average, 200 students participate annually in YPCS, and any high school junior or senior is eligible to apply to attend. Macomb County Farm Bureau generally sponsors two students to participate. At the seminar students will:
- Vote in actual elections and experience how YOUR vote really does count
- Run for office and participate in rallies and caucuses
- Dances, recreational activities and free time on the campus of Northwood University
- Humorous and inspirational speakers

For more information about this program click on the "Programs" button on this web site