CHS : Foundation continues partnership, investment in...

The CHS Foundation, funded by charitable contributions from CHS Inc., recently announced an additional $280,000 commitment to the State Teach Ag Results (STAR) program through the National FFA Foundation.

The STAR program, which began in 2014, was developed to address the agriculture teacher shortage at the state level. States involved in the program work directly with the National Teach Ag Campaign to develop sustainable and effective strategies that address the shortage in their state. STAR states receive grant funding to host agricultural education recruitment events at universities, host Teach Ag workshops, implement mentoring programs, create state Teach Ag webpages, incorporate work/life balance professional development training for current teachers, and provide other resources to help recruit and retain quality and diverse agriculture teachers.

'Working with states to develop customized recruitment and retention plans is key to our mission at the National Teach Ag Campaign,' said Ellen Thompson, National Teach Ag Campaign Project Director. 'The continued support of the CHS Foundation makes this critical work possible and is truly making a difference in ensuring a quality and diverse supply of agriculture teachers who will inspire the next generation of leaders, problem solvers, entrepreneurs and agriculturalists.'

It is anticipated that a total of 28 states will be enrolled in the STAR program in 2017; up from the original 11 that participated in 2014. The CHS Foundation grant commitment will allow states in the STAR program to receive increased financial support for their recruitment and retention strategies and initiatives. With this additional funding, STAR states will now receive grants upwards of $8,000.

The CHS Foundation is proud to continue support of the National Teach Ag Campaign and specifically the STAR program. The CHS Foundation continues to recognize that while the shortage of qualified ag teachers is widespread, each state faces a unique set of challenges. With support from the STAR program, states can come up with customized, innovative solutions to recruit and retain agricultural educators.

The CHS Foundation has proudly sponsored the National Teach Ag Campaign since 2011. In 2014, the CHS Foundation made a three-year, $1.5 million commitment through the National FFA Foundation to support agricultural education and the National Teach Ag Campaign. In 2016, the CHS Foundation made their first STAR program support with a $250,000 grant towards the STAR program. The additional funding in 2017 will allow the STAR program to advance its efforts further and make a significant impact on the agriculture teacher shortage. To learn more about the National Teach Ag Campaign and STAR program, click here.