JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, announced today an opportunity for Missouri farmers to help schools throughout the northeast part of the Show-Me State.

“I am happy to see Monsanto expand the ‘America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education’ initiative,” Sen. Munzlinger said. “Anytime we have an opportunity to help the next generation of Missourians, we need to take advantage of it. This is a unique chance for people to nominate local school districts and help our children and grandchildren throughout rural Missouri.”

“America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education,” sponsored by Monsanto, is a grant program that allows farmers to positively impact their communities by supporting local school districts. Specifically, the program gives farmers the opportunity to nominate a public school district in their community to compete for a merit-based grant of either $10,000 or $25,000 to enhance education in the areas of math and/or science. Nomination entries will be taken through April 15, 2013.

“Counties in Missouri’s 18th Senatorial District are eligible for this grant money,” Sen. Munzlinger said. “Missouri is one of 39 states that will receive nearly 200 grants this year. I hope you’ll nominate a school district to enhance the quality of education for our students. Last year’s winners included the Community R-VI and Monroe City R-1 school districts.”

Nominations will be accepted online, at GrowRuralEducation.com or by calling 877-267-3332. The counties available for this grant program include: Adair, Chariton, Clark, Knox, Lewis, Linn, Macon, Marion, Pike, Scotland, Shelby, Ralls and Randolph.