AGRICULTURE EDUCATION GRANTS AWARDED TO MORGAN, CASS AND OTHER ILLINOIS COUNTIES

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Agriculture education programs serving Morgan, Cass, Macoupin and Sangamon counties are among those receiving funding through the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom initiative.

The IAA Foundation awarded a total of $691,961 to 79 agricultural literacy coalitions serving 81 Illinois counties for the 2026-27 school year. The grants help bring accurate information about farming, food production and agricultural careers into classrooms from prekindergarten through twelfth grade.

Local coalitions can use the money for classroom resources, teacher training, hands-on lessons and educational activities that connect subjects such as science and mathematics with agriculture.

Statewide, Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom reported reaching 672,407 students and 49,726 teachers during the 2025-26 school year, with more than 35,000 educational sessions.

Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom also has separate book and project grant applications open for teachers for the 2026-27 school year through October 16.