Statistics show that the United States ranks only 25th in math scores and 21st in science compared to 30 industrialized nations. These facts show that education is strongly in need of support. To help, Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, is launching America's Farmers Grow Rural Education to aid rural school districts by providing 10-thousand dollar and 25-thousand dollar grants in 1,245 counties across 39 states. The Monsanto Fund will award 199 grants this year.

Deborah Patterson, Monsanto Fund president, says - we believe our rural communities are the heart of America. We want to help strengthen local communities and education systems, especially in the areas of science and/or math. A strong science and math education helps build a foundation for many careers in agriculture, but also will help our students to be more competitive with those in larger cities and other nations.

America's Farmers Grow Rural Education gives farmers the opportunity to nominate a public school district in their rural community to compete for a grant. Nominated school district administrators can then submit an application for either a 10-thousand or 25-thousand dollar grant to support a science and/or math educational program by April 30, 2012. Grants will be awarded based on merit, need and community support. Visit www.growruraleducation.com for additional information.