Farm to School learning opportunities available to schools

BISMARCK - Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has announced that applications are now being accepted from North Dakota K-5 teachers for two different STEM learning opportunities through the North United States Department of Agriculture Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Award.

"The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is seeking state K-5 teachers interested in bringing these STEM learning opportunities into their classrooms," Goehring said. "Students will learn where their food comes from and how it grows, through science, nutrition and agriculture education, a central tenet to the Farm to School program."

The K-2 kits will focus on root growth with a root viewer planter, while the third to fifth grade kits will focus on photosynthesis with desktop greenhouses. There are 50 kits available for K-2 and 45 kits available for grades 3-5, on a first-come first-served basis. Eligibility is limited to K-5 teachers at traditional schools in North Dakota. Homeschools are not eligible for this opportunity.

Eligible K-5 teachers interested in applying for one of the kits may go to https://www.ndda.nd.gov/stem-grow-kits for full details and to fill out an application. Applications must be submitted in electronic form by 5 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by March 2, 2026.

Questions may be directed to Local Foods Marketing Specialist Jenna Nieters at [email protected] or 701-328-2659.

Teachers will have until May 8, 2026, to use the kits and provide education to their students. A final survey will be required and sent out to gather feedback on the projects for federal reporting purposes.