Agriculture Secretary Announces Investment in West Perry FFA

FFA to Use Grant for Classroom Technology

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Students enrolled in West
Perry High School's agricultural education program will be able to enhance
their career development and leadership skills with the help of a $10,000
state investment, Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff announced today.

"Agricultural and Rural Youth Grants are an important investment in our
youth," said Wolff. "This grant will enhance technology in the classroom,
helping to ensure that our future agricultural leaders are equipped with the
skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the local agricultural
industry."

The agricultural education program at West Perry School District will use the
matching funds to purchase 10 laptop computers, a smart board and projector.
The new technology will help more than 200 enrolled students develop
industry-based skills required by local agricultural employers.

The funds are part of a $110,000 investment to keep youth in agriculture. The
Agricultural and Rural Youth Grant Program provides matching and direct grants
to organizations whose projects promote development in the areas of
agriculture, rural community leadership, vocational training or peer
fellowship.

Since 1992, the grant program has awarded 402 direct grants and 62 matching
grants totaling more than $1.4 million to FFA, 4-H, agricultural extension and
agricultural education organizations statewide.

For more information, visit http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on
"Students and Educators" and then "PDA Agricultural Rural Youth Grant."

CONTACT:
Nicole L. Cullison
(717) 787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

Nicole L. Cullison of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture,
+1-717-787-5085