West Middlesex Schools Awarded Grant for Aquaponic Systems

WEST MIDDLESEX, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture awarded a $15,000 grant to the West Middlesex Area School District for its Stronger Communities, Deeper Roots project.

The funding, through the department’s Farm-to-School grant program, is aimed at improving access to healthy, local food and increasing hands-on learning for children in prekindergarten through eighth grade.

The West Middlesex Schools project seeks to transform elementary STEM education by installing aquaponic systems in science classrooms. The project will engage students with hands-on learning to foster a love of local food while cultivating the next generation of scientists.

“As a former technology teacher, I can tell you that one of the best ways for kids to engage in the classroom is to give them hands-on learning opportunities,” state Rep. Parke Wentling, R-7th, said in a news release announcing the grant. “This project in West Middlesex schools is the perfect example of how a fun and interesting experience can provide as many learning opportunities, if not more, than a traditional lecture or PowerPoint.”

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.