Educators often have ideas for fun, creative projects that engage their students, but funding them can sometimes be challenging. That’s where Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom steps in.
Virginia AITC wants to help teachers integrate agricultural projects and learning experiences into their classrooms. Through its educator grant program, the nonprofit provides an opportunity for teachers to receive funding that can help them expand children’s understanding about the sources of their food and fiber, and how farming and agriculture impact their daily lives.
AITC will award over $35,000 for the 2026-27 school year to support creative and innovative educator projects. Teachers and other organizations like 4-H clubs and FFA chapters that work with schools and parent-teacher associations can apply for up to $500 for agriculture-related initiatives.
“Connecting students with agriculture helps them better understand the world around them,” said Lynn Black, Virginia AITC’s director of education. “By supporting creative classroom projects, these grants encourage curiosity and hands-on learning that engages children with agricultural topics while supporting required curriculum.”
The deadline for grant applications is Oct. 13. However, applications received by Aug. 15 are eligible for AITC’s “early bird” notification. This early decision lets educators begin their projects at the beginning of the school year. Instructors who complete the application early will be notified by Sept. 8.
Grant projects may include learning gardens, STEM concepts and/or unique agricultural experiences for students. Previous projects ranged from classroom hydroponic gardens and egg hatching units to composting systems and student-led mini farmers markets. Some attended local agriculture events and toured farms while others took part in farm-to-table activities—cooking produce that they grew.
Last year, AITC awarded 70 grants, totaling over $33,000 and reaching 26,000 youth. In Virginia Beach, Salem Elementary School kindergarten teacher Christy Flanagan received an AITC grant for a vermicomposting project. Throughout the year, students collected their food scraps from lunch, added them to the compost bin and observed how red wiggler worms converted the scraps into nutrient-rich castings. While learning about food waste and animal behavior, students also used the worm castings to plant seeds—launching lessons in plant lifecycles and soil health.
“It went full circle and became a great project that touched on a lot of different science topics,” Flanagan said. “I think when students are involved in what you’re teaching, it just makes learning more powerful.”
Flanagan said that AITC grants can have lasting impacts, noting that an earlier grant helped fund an aeroponics classroom garden she uses with her students every year.
“Learning is much more meaningful when it’s part of the classroom community,” she added. “It’s not just one unit and we move on to a different topic—they’re able to participate for the whole school year.”
To apply for a grant, or to learn more about educational activities available through Virginia AITC, visit virginia.agclassroom.org/teachers/grants.
The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes a greater understanding and appreciation of agriculture through education and outreach activities. To learn more and support, visit virginia.agclassroom.org.
