Nearly 70 middle and high schools across the Midwest are receiving more than $446,000 in grants from Compeer Financial to strengthen agricultural education programs. The Next A.C.R.E. grants awarded up to $7,500 to each recipient, with 21 schools in Illinois, 21 in Minnesota, and 27 in Wisconsin receiving funding. The money will support equipment, resources, and improvements for hands-on learning, including greenhouses, shops, and livestock barns. Several schools also plan to add emerging technologies like virtual welding, CNC plasma equipment, precision ag sensors, and veterinary and livestock simulators. Karen Schieler, manager of Compeer Giving at Compeer Financial, says keeping agricultural education current is important as technology continues to reshape the industry. “We hope this funding inspires students to pursue a career in agriculture where they can make a lasting impact on their local communities and the world,” Schieler said. Compeer Financial plans to offer the Next A.C.R.E. grant program again in 2027.
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