LITITZ, Pa. — What began as an innovative idea to bring agriculture into Pennsylvania classrooms has grown into a program that has reached 2 million students across the Commonwealth.
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation celebrated a historic milestone as the 2 millionth student participated in the Mobile Agriculture Education Science Lab program at Kissel Hill Elementary School in Lancaster County.
“Two million students learning about where their food comes from. When this idea was launched, no one imagined the far-reaching impact this program would achieve,” said Tommy Nagle, foundation board chairman and president of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. “From learning how to make crayons from soybeans to discovering how butter is made, students are gaining a better understanding of how agriculture touches their lives every day.”
Since launching in 2003 with a single mobile classroom, the program has grown into a fleet of six traveling science labs, bringing hands-on, agriculture-focused STEM education directly to elementary and middle school students across Pennsylvania. Today, the labs visit more than 150 schools annually, introducing thousands of students to the science, technology and innovation behind agriculture.
The Mobile Ag Ed Science Lab program was created with a simple but powerful mission: to connect students with agriculture through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. As fewer children grow up with a direct connection to farming, the program helps bridge the gap between the farm and the classroom.
“Reaching 2 million students is more than just a number. It represents 2 million opportunities to spark curiosity, challenge misconceptions and help young people discover the importance of agriculture,” Nagle said.
The milestone also reflects more than two decades of support from Pennsylvania’s agricultural community, including farmers, businesses, organizations and individual donors who believe in the importance of agricultural literacy.
Through their continued investment, the foundation has been able to expand the program from one lab to six, develop new lessons and reach schools in rural, suburban and urban communities throughout Pennsylvania.
As the foundation celebrates its 2 millionth student, the focus is already on the next generation of learners and the opportunities to continue bringing agricultural education to classrooms across the commonwealth.
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The Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation is the charitable foundation of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. The foundation is dedicated to promoting agriculture and educating the public about the importance of farming and agriculture in daily life. Through programs such as the Mobile Agriculture Education Science Lab, Ag Literacy Week and professional development opportunities for educators, the foundation helps students, teachers and communities discover the vital role agriculture plays in Pennsylvania and beyond. To learn more about the foundation, go to pfbfriends.com.
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