In recent news, a school district located in Lawrence County will receive a grant to help promote student development in agriculture, community leadership, vocational training peer fellowship through the Pennsylvania Ag and Youth Grant Program; which Rep. Aaron Bernstine supported. The Perry Lower Intermediate School in Ellwood City was awarded a
$7,482 grant to enhance and extend the Garden at Perry Project, which began three years ago in the back side of the school. The students have augmented this space by constructing a greenhouse and a glass building in which plants are grown that need protection from cold weather, as well as other projects to educate students on the importance of Pennsylvania’s top industry.

“It’s no secret that agriculture is long hours ana lot of hard work,” said Berstine. “Kids who are involved in agriculture learn the value of working hard, doing a quality job and knowing that the day isn’t done until the job is done.”

The Pennsylvania Ag and Youth Program provides direct and matching grants to help fund eligible projects, programs and equipment purchases conducted or made by organizations comprised mainly of youth. The program aims to address the looming 75,00 workforce deficit the industry is expected to face in the next decade.

“Agriculture education is far more important than just an elective curriculum,” said Bernstine. “Our daily needs such as food, clothing and medicine require agriculture. This industry is a significant portion of the Commonwealth’s total direct economic output. I am pleased that the Perry Lower Intermediate School was awarded this grant.”