Lincoln, Neb. (October 19, 2012)
Fox River Academy in Appleton, WI, will receive a $56,700.94 grant for an environmental service-learning project from the State Farm Youth Advisory Board. Fox River Academy is one of 68 community organizations to receive a service-learning, youth-led grant across the United States and Canada.
"State Farm supports service-learning because it integrates service to the community into classroom curriculum using a hands-on approach to mastering subject material while fostering civic responsibility," said State Farm Public Affairs Specialist Kelly Savage of Milwaukee, WI. "The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is a prime example of State Farm's commitment to education, our community and our youth."
Fox River Academy is a public environmental charter school within the Appleton Area School District. With a focus on the Fox River watershed, core subject areas are taught through an integrated, engaging curriculum in multi-age classrooms.
The school's students are working to restore a degraded and long-neglected wetland that once was used as a city dump. Their goal is to provide access to a public park for recreation and wildlife observations. Among other things, they plan to chip wood and spread it on trails. Students are creating informational signs and will install railroad ties to create a stairway. Logs also will be cut into boards to be used for birdhouse and bench construction.
The State Farm Youth Advisory Board has granted over $24 million in grant money since its inception in 2006, empowering youth to implement service-learning in 397 communities. Additionally, applications are available for interested youth aged 17-20 to become Youth Advisory Board members. More information can be found at www.statefarmyab.com.
Ann Avery, State Farm Public Affairs, (402) 327-4551
The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is a diverse group of 30 youth, ages 17-20, who were chosen through a competitive process to lead and oversee this $5 million/year signature service-learning initiative. The Youth Board identified the issues, issued competitive grants and will now provide technical assistance, communication and oversight to site grantees.
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