Today is National STEM Day! The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) believes that agriculture is a vital partner in engaging students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) concepts which directly—and indirectly—impact their lives. Not only does teaching an ag-based curriculum in the science classroom spark students to solve real-world science issues, but it also familiarizes them with ag-related careers, many of which go unfilled.
NCGA is committed to growing a more sustainable future—which includes carving a legacy for future generations. Today’s students will be tomorrow’s decision-makers and stewards of the land. NCGA’s Sustainable Ag Research Action Team (SARAT) recently led the charge in impacting change by partnering with DonorsChoose—a teacher-founded nonprofit which helps bridge the gap and create equity for underfunded schools. Through matched funds with donors, NCGA’s 2022 project supported 122 STEM-based projects at 107 different schools across 26 states, impacting over 19,000 students over the course of just two months.
“Being socially sustainable is an integral pillar for us as corn growers,” said Minnesota dairy farmer and Sustainable Ag Research Action Team Vice Chair Dana Allen-Tully. “NCGA knows sustainability is essential to feeding and fueling our growing world. And sustainability isn’t just limited to how you treat the land; it also includes the people who work it, the investments we make, and how we prepare for the future. That is what SARAT is concentrating on—the future—and how we cultivate relationships and strive for continuous improvement within the arenas of education and research.”
To learn more about some of SARAT’s educational and research initiatives:
- Find activities and lessons on biotechnology, biofuels, water quality, soil and sustainability by visiting the Nourish the Future's (NTF) curriculum page.
- And for science teachers looking to take their STEM knowledge and skills to the next level, consider applying for NTF’s Teacher Learner Community IV.
- Interested in how to help connect the research lab and the farm field? Check out NCGA’s Research Ambassador Program.
