City joins schools in support of ag education grants
The Paso Robles City Council voted Tuesday to join with the Paso Robles Unified School District Board of Trustees in urging California Governor Jerry Brown and the State Legislature to continue funding Agriculture Education Incentive Grants.
Since 1983 the state has allocated money to a matching grant program designed to incentivize agriculture education programs. Local school districts provide matching funds which are used to modernize instructional equipment and technology, support student leadership skill development and personal growth opportunities.
Paso Robles High School has a vigorous and successful agriculture education program. It has produced students with critical job skills for immediate employment in a variety of agricultural industries, as well as sending many on to successful higher education ag studies.
This year the Governor’s budget proposal eliminates that funding. The city’s future is directly tied to the development of a skilled labor force, says City Manager Jim App. “Local ag education programs are strategic assets in that continuing effort. Consequently, the city council urges all citizens and businesses to contact their State elected representatives to urge continued funding of the Ag Education Incentive Grants.”
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