STEAM TAC Highlights Agricultural Careers , Skills in Interactive Classroom Immersions
The West Virginia STEAM Technical Assistance Center ’ s curriculum is evolving at the middle and high school levels , especially as it relates to students ’ interest in agricultural skills and careers .
The STEAM TAC ’ s Growing with Innovation immersion covers agricultural careers while students learn more about plant biology . Using computer science , AI , micro : bits and smart tools , students work in teams to problem-solve relevant issues faced by West Virginia small farming operations and explore ways to increase farming efficiency .
Overseen by the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative , the West Virginia Department of Education and West Virginia University , the STEAM TAC offers free , hands-on learning experiences that bring workforce-ready learning directly into classrooms across the state .
Farm Credit Donates up to $ 5,000 in Matching Funds to Milk for Good Campaign
Public radio station WVTF organized a fall fund drive to support the Federation of Virginia Foodbanks ’ Milk for Good program , which provides milk to families in need across the Commonwealth , while benefiting local dairy farmers . Farm Credit of the Virginias ( FCV ) will match WVTF listeners ’ contributions to the program up to $ 5,000 , which will double the number of servings of milk that Virginia food banks will receive compared to previous campaigns .
FCV is a long-standing ally of the Milk for Good campaign . The program was incepted in 2019 to provide patrons of Virginia food banks with access to milk and the calcium , protein , Vitamin D and other valuable nutrients it contains , while supporting Virginia dairy farmers . Representing Virginia ’ s first dairy purchase program for food banks , the Milk for Good program was funded initially by a $ 50,000 grant provided by Farm Credit of the Virginias , Horizon Farm Credit and Colonial Farm Credit .
“ We are deeply grateful to Farm Credit for their matching gift to the Virginia Food Banks ,” says WVTF Chief Advancement Officer Renai Bodley . “ Their generosity will hopefully inspire public radio listeners to donate in order to help two great causes at the same time — public radio and Virginia Food Banks .”
Eddie Oliver , executive director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks , emphasizes the growing need for support as food insecurity rises and grocery prices remain high . He expresses gratitude for the continued partnership with FCV and WVTF and Radio IQ , who understand the value of delivering fresh , local milk to families in need .
“ WVTF and Radio IQ depend on listeners ’ donations to stay on the air . Without that support , we would not be able to provide national and international news from NPR and the BBC in addition to our award-winning local news team ,” says Roger Duvall , WVTF and Radio IQ general manager . “ Now more than ever , it is crucial that citizens have a trusted , factual source of news and information . We hope the matching gift from FCV will motivate our
Join us in congratulating STEPHANIE PETHTEL
on her West Virginia Executive Young Gun award !
westvirginia @ womensenergynetwork . org PO Box 4508 | Bridgeport , WV 26330
WWW . WVEXECUTIVE . COM FALL 2024 83