Partnership in Agricultural Literacy Award Application Logo

  • Partnership in Agricultural Literacy

    A National Award Program of the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization
    • I.        Our Mission: 

    • Planting Seeds. Cultivating Knowledge. Harvesting an Understanding of Agriculture

    • II.        Our Vision: 

    • Communities understanding agriculture through factual information

    • III.        What is the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization’s Definition of Agricultural Literacy? 

    • An agriculturally literate person understands and can communicate the source and value of agriculture as it affects quality of life.

    • IV.          What is the Partnership in Agricultural Literacy Award? Who is eligible? 

    • The Partnership in Agricultural Literacy award celebrates the best in agricultural literacy efforts, recognizing individuals, organizations, programs, and events that embody innovation and advancement in agricultural literacy for PreK-12 students. It recognizes excellence in agricultural literacy partnerships, innovative solutions to challenges, and outstanding programs and events that increase agricultural literacy in participants.

      Potential nominees include individuals, organizations, or groups who promote grades PreK-12 educational experiences in and through agriculture by addressing one or more of the following themes of the National Agricultural Literacy Outcomes:

      • Agriculture and the Environment
      • Plants and Animals for Food, Fiber & Energy
      • Food, Health & Lifestyle
      • Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
      • Culture, Society, Economy & Geography

      Eligible nominees include:

      • Agricultural groups or organizations; or employee(s) of such organizations (e.g., Grange, 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, county or state Farm Bureau associations, etc.)
      • Non-classroom educators (e.g., extension educators, school garden educators, museum educators, etc.)
      • Volunteers—individually or as a group (e.g., Rotary, Kiwanis, etc.)

      National Agriculture in the Classroom affiliate organizations and employees are not eligible for nomination.

      The winning group or individual will complementary tickets to the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation Breakfast at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.

    • V.       How are award recipients evaluated and selected? 

    • Judges will select an individual, group, or organization who utilizes agricultural information and materials with their program(s) to promote agricultural literacy and the importance of agriculture. Activity focus may include, but is not limited to, an understanding of agriculture’s impact on personal lives, national heritage, or the environment and economy. Innovative and interdisciplinary programs are encouraged. All nominations are evaluated by a panel of judges familiar with agriculture, education, and Agriculture in the Classroom programs.

      Evaluation Criteria (100-point scale; please see rubric below)

      • Creation and Utilization of Agricultural Information: Developed a program or activity that effectively increased agricultural literacy and taught students or teachers about the importance of agriculture. Organized groups of volunteers and combined efforts with other groups.
      •  Impact: The number of students and/or teachers impacted by this program/activity, and the number of times students and/or teachers have been impacted.
      • Program/Activity: The degree that this program/activity supported the PA Friends of Agriculture Foundation mission and use of foundation and/or Ag in the Classroom materials and resources.
      • Innovation: The level of creativity of the program/activity and the degree to which the program can be replicated.

       

    • VI.          Deadline for Submitting Nominations 

    • The nomination must be received by September 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Award recipients will be notified by October 1, 2025.

      Submission Details:

               Recommendation letter from nominating county Farm Bureau or organization detailing the nominee’s contributions to help promote agricultural literacy and collaboration with AITC and/or Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation (limited to 1 page, single-spaced, no less than 11 pt. font; must include date and organization contact signature)

                Nominee’s documentation and photos: Nominees are encouraged to share photos and other documentation of contributions to agricultural literacy. One photo must be a head shot or group high-resolution photo. Please use quality images and add a brief caption at the bottom of each photo to describe the activity.

                Statement of Release: Complete the provided statement of release for the use of photographs and other materials by Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation for media publications.

      Questions can be directed to Charlene Shupp Espenshade at cmespenshade@pfb.com.

  • Partnership in Agricultural Literacy Award Application

  • Application Questions

    500 word limit on each question

  • 1. Summarize the work completed by the nominee and the collaboration between the nominee and AITC and/or the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation. Describe how the work and/or service supports agricultural literacy efforts and the mission of National Agriculture in the Classroom: “Increasing agricultural literacy through PreK-12 education.”

  • 2.     Describe innovative ways in which the nominee implements agricultural literacy programing while maintaining relevancy in agriculture and education.

  • 3.     Describe the outcomes (i.e., what was created or provided) and impacts (i.e., changes in knowledge, attitude and/or behavior) of the nominee’s work in agricultural literacy. Be as specific as possible; include events, programs, number of participants and any documented impacts including anecdotal results or observations.

  • Statement of Release

  • I, the undersigned, release all components of this nomination—including photographs—to the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation for use on the foundation website; to be shared with sponsors; and for use in brochures, media releases, and publicity promoting future recognition of the organization. Photos will also be taken of the award winners at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.

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