Syngenta IPM in School Gardens Grant

As our world population increases and available production space decreases, it is important that farmers use an integrated pest management (IPM) approach that meets economic, environmental, and social needs. Understanding the important role and responsibilities of commercial agricultural producers is critical for creating an informed and supportive citizenry. A school garden is an excellent way to introduce students to the challenges faced by producers including important factors such as insect, weed, and disease pests, infertile soil and limited water resources.

Syngenta is sponsoring the Syngenta IPM in School Gardens Grant to support educators using school gardens as a tool for teaching students about integrated pest management strategies in the garden and on farms. During 2012, five schools will receive grant packages valued at $1,500.

Who is eligible to apply

High schools, charter schools, youth agricultural training programs, and non-profits serving low- to middle-income students between the ages of 14-18 years of age located in the United States are eligible to apply. Educators must be planning to use the garden program to teach students about integrated pest management practices used in gardens and commercial agriculture.

The garden program must be implemented during the Spring and Summer of 2012. Schools receiving the grants must complete a year end report by October 2012, summarizing program accomplishments and impacts.

Submitted reports should also include photographs with appropriate parental photo permission forms of students and teachers working together on garden projects and statements from a selection of students discussing what they may have learned during the project.

Grant Packages

Recipients will receive an award package valued at $1,500 including*:

• Plant Cam
• Jumbo Garden Thermometer
• Rain Gauge
• Water Testing Kit
• Soil testing kit
• 2 hand tool sets
• 2 Raised beds
• Compost bin
• Compost thermometer
• Row covers
• Rain barrel
• Recycled weed block
• Insect Pocket Identifier
• Insect x-ray and anatomy card
• $250 cash award to purchase soil and plants
• IPM curriculum

*Every effort will be made to award the prize package as described above, however in the unlikely event any item in the prize package becomes unavailable due to conditions beyond our control, we reserve the right to substitute an item of equal or greater value.

Submission Process

Due Date: Applications must be submitted by April 1st, 2012

Online Application

When you click on the button below, a form will appear requiring you to register with KidsGardening. If you are already registered you can proceed to the application. (See our privacy policy if you have questions about how we use the information.) Photos are not required, however if you would like to include pictures of your program please be prepared to upload them in one of the following formats: JPEG, GIF, PNG, PDF. Only online applications will be accepted, please do not send in printed applications.

Award Fulfillment

We will notify you about the status of your application via email by May 1st, 2012. A list of winners will also be posted from this page on KidsGardening. Awards will be distributed in May 2012.

Reporting Requirement

• Grant awardees will be required to submit two online surveys, a pre-gardening and post gardening  impact report.  The pre-gardening survey will post in May 2012 and the post-gardening impact report will be due in October of 2012 (end of the garden season rather than the calendar year).
• Program will also be asked to submit 5-10 digital photos with parental release forms at the end of the gardening season. We cannot accept photos that do not include release forms.
• Winners are also asked to submit a one-page summary regarding the impact of the IPM award on their program.
• Winning programs are also asked to sign-up for the school garden registry. Programs that do not complete the final report will not be eligible to apply for future awards.

No purchase necessary. Purchase of a product does not improve your chances of receiving an award.