One of our main focus areas at Wiregrass RC&D is to improve educational opportunities in the communities we serve. With the help of our partners, we fund and develop educational projects from preschool through advanced adult education. Visit our education website for information about all our programs in one place. If you see an educational opportunity or need in your community, please reach out to us. We are here to empower and educate our community.
A few of our current programs…
The needs of a community are constantly changing. If Covid-19 taught us anything, we are all aware of the need for flexibility and working together locally to meet new challenges. WRC&D works daily to meet the ever-changing needs of our community. Education is the key to growing a healthy and sustainable community. We have amazing partners that help us get the resources to the people. Below you will find a few of the current educational initiatives we are involved in.
LEAD Wiregrass
Regional Leadership Program
At WRC&D we know the best way to build a community is to invest in community leaders. LEAD Wiregrass is a regional leadership program that serves our ten-county region. The mission of LEAD Wiregrass is to build a stronger community by developing leaders who effectively serve and unify the Wiregrass Region.
STREAM Education
Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics
STREAM education is a cross-curricular style of educating that encourages students to think critically and develop a love for reading through hands on activities. We have partnered with Troy University, Head Start, and SEARP&DC to provide STREAM carts, labs, and community gardens, and coming soon a STREAM mobile.
Educational Grants
Yearly Grant Program
We are blessed to be a state funded 501c3 tasked with providing educational grants to the local community. We have a yearly educational grant program that encourages local community stakeholders to be a part of building up their community and meeting the unique educational challenges of rural Alabamians.
AG & Conservation Education
Protecting the Environment
At WRC&D we love to partner with those passionate about conservation and ag education. We currently work with the SWCD and Extension on Classroom in the Forrest events, Groundwater Festival, Envirothon teams, Jr. Naturalist Program, AG Education Programs, Community Gardens, Veteran’s Gardens, and Short the Squirrel.
Workforce Development
Workshops and Camps
It is more important than ever to provide high school students and adults educational opportunities to develop a strong workforce. WRC&D has works with local high schools, community colleges, and career tech experts to develop workshops and camps to give high school students and adults opportunities to experience various career paths and start them on a path to success. A few of our current programs include women in welding workshops, career tech college tour, southeast farm tour, public safety camp, and entrepreneur camp.
USDA Outreach
Workshops for Beginning and Underserved Farmers
Wiregrass RC&D hosts workshops in our ten-county region to promote NRCS programs. We have a Veteran’s Garden at Landmark Park and partner with ACES and other industry experts to provide support for beginning and small farmers. These are free workshops offered to the community.
Have an idea for a project, contact us today!
Part of our mission is to empower local citizens to meet the needs of their community. We are always looking for partners to meet the unique educational needs of the communities we serve!