Science, agriculture literacy focus of $100,000 gift from Farm Credit Services of America to UNL

Science, agriculture literacy focus of $100,000 gift from Farm Credit Services of America to UNL

ABOUT THIS PHOTO: Students and families participate in a Sunday with a Scientist event at the University of Nebraska State Museum. UNL’s Science Literacy Initiative served as a guest presenter to help educate young people on topics relating to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Lincoln, Neb., Jan. 13, 2016 — To help more Nebraska students of all ages have an understanding of science and agriculture, Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) has given $100,000 to bolster the Science Literacy Initiative at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

The gift made to the University of Nebraska Foundation will support the university’s efforts to integrate agriculture and natural resource education into pre-K through 12th grade curriculum through a combination of programs and research at the local, state, national and international levels.

“This gift will significantly enhance the initiative’s capacity to foster science literacy in Nebraska and beyond,” Cory Forbes, Science Literacy Initiative coordinator, said. “We’re deeply appreciative of Farm Credit’s generous support and thankful for its shared commitment to this important endeavor.”

About making the gift, Bob Campbell, FCSAmerica senior vice president, said, “The University of Nebraska has a vital role in promoting science literacy as an important means of supporting the country’s food and agricultural workforce now and in in the future, which makes this contribution and investment especially meaningful for us and all those we serve.”

FCSAmerica is one of the region’s leading providers of credit and insurance services to farmers, ranchers, agribusiness and rural residents. Its gift for the Science Literacy Initiative is part of its centennial celebration, which is focused on supporting agriculture for the next 100 years.

The Science Literacy Initiative promotes a scientifically-literate society capable of making decisions grounded in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) so individuals can address challenges associated with food, fuel, water and more. These efforts are being pursued through several multidisciplinary programs, including pre-K through 12th grade programs with learning experiences for students in formal and non-formal settings, professional development programs for teachers and education experiences for future teachers. More information about the Science Literacy Initiative is available at casnr.unl.edu/grow-eat-learn.

The university’s science literacy efforts have also received federal support. UNL received a $50,000 grant in 2014 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to launch the National Agricultural Literacy Center. The center works to promote the Science Literary Initiative and to develop K-12 STEM curriculum materials focusing on the science behind agriculture.

Farm Credit Services of America has had a longtime philanthropic partnership with the University of Nebraska. Past gifts have supported the new Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center under construction in Lincoln, the High Plains Agriculture Laboratory north of Sidney, a new education center building at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, the Feedlot Management Specialization program and the Nebraska Beef Industry Scholarship.

About Farm Credit Services of America

Farm Credit Services of America is proud to finance the growth of rural America, including the special needs of young and beginning producers. FCSAmerica is one of the region’s leading providers of credit and insurance services to farmers, ranchers, agribusiness and rural residents in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Learn more at www.fcsamerica.com.

About the University of Nebraska Foundation

The University of Nebraska Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that has raised private gifts to support the university for more than 79 years. During the 2014-2015 fiscal year, donors provided the university with $212.7 million for scholarships, academic programs, medical and other research, faculty support and facilities. Our Students, Our Future is the foundation’s current initiative to secure broad support for students. For more information, visit nufoundation.org.

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