Holden R-III School District will receive a $10,000 grant from America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund on Friday, Sept. 20. The district will use the grant funds to acquire Logger Pro software, which will allow students to perform experiments and analyze data through graphing and practical application. Twelve laptops will also be purchased to utilize this new software in high school science classrooms.

America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, offers farmers the chance to nominate a local public school district, which can then compete for a grant of up to $25,000 to enhance math and/or science education. More than 1,150 nominated school districts submitted applications. The Monsanto Fund will invest $2.3 million through America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education grants this year.

Holden R-III faculty, local farmers and Monsanto representatives will participate in a check presentation ceremony at the home football game & hog roast on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Holden High School football field. Interview and photo opportunities will be available for media in attendance.

America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education helps farmers support math and science education in local rural school districts. Currently in its second year, this program is part of the Monsanto Fund’s overall effort to support rural education and communities. America’s Farmers Grow Communities, which offers winning farmers the chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit organization in their county, is also part of this effort. To date, these programs combined have contributed more than $15 million to rural communities.