Literacy for Life Grants

Literacy for Life Grants is sponsored by California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. The California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom provides grants of up to $750 to California teachers who initiate new projects or expand existing ones to integrate agriculture into regular classroom instruction.

Literacy for Life Grants | California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom The Literacy for Life Grants support California PreK–12 educators in bringing agriculture to life in the classroom. With awards of up to $750, these grants help teachers launch new projects or expand existing programs that promote agricultural literacy through hands-on learning.

Explore inspiring project ideas and discover how past recipients have used this funding to enhance agricultural education on their campuses. Applications also serve as the selection process for the Outstanding Educator of the Year . Applications open May 1, 2026 Literacy for Life Grant Program 2026 Review Committee Scoring Criteria All completed applications will be reviewed by the Literacy for Life Grant Review Committee.

Each application will be evaluated using a standardized scoring rubric worth a total of 16 possible points . Committee members will independently review and score each application based on the criteria outlined below. Agricultural Literacy Integration (4 points) Judges will evaluate how effectively agricultural concepts are incorporated into the proposed project.

Strong applications will clearly connect classroom learning to agriculture, food systems, or natural resources and help students better understand where food and fiber come from. Student Impact (4 points) Judges will evaluate the potential impact of the project on students.

Strong applications will clearly describe how the project will engage students, support learning, and positively influence student knowledge, attitudes, or experiences related to agriculture and literacy. Implementation Plan (4 points) Judges will review how clearly the teacher explains the plan for implementing the project in the classroom.

Applications should include a realistic description of how the materials will be used, how activities will be carried out, and how the project will be integrated into classroom instruction. Project Purpose & Use of Funds (4 points) Judges will evaluate how clearly the requested materials and funding support the overall goals of the project.

Strong applications will demonstrate thoughtful planning and provide a clear explanation of how grant funds will be used to support student learning.

Bring Agriculture to your Classroom Integrate agriculture into core subjects Create hands-on, project-based learning experiences Enhance school gardens or outdoor learning spaces Connect students to real-world applications of what they’re learning Up to $750 to support new or expanded classroom projects Standard Grant Application Progress Grants (New this year) Recipients who have received funding the prior two years are eligible for a $500 progress grant to grow and strengthen an existing program Progress Grant Application Outstanding Educator of the Year One educator will receive: $1,000 to support their project Travel to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference Registration and travel for a Regional Teacher Conference Opportunity to present and share their work with fellow educators Applications Open: May 1, 2026 Apply By: October 4, 2026 Awards Announced: November 1, 2026 Funding Distributed: December 2026 Project Implementation: 2026–2027 school year Certified California PreK–12 educators Teachers ready to bring agriculture into everyday instruction Educators with ideas—big or small—that support student learning through real-world connections Receive funding to implement your project Complete your project during the school year Share your impact through a short follow-up survey Help inspire other educators by sharing your work on campus 25 Standard Grants (up to $750 each) 10 Progress Grants ($500 each) 1 Outstanding Educator of the Year Literacy for Life Grant Archives Photos of Previous Grant Recipients Thank you to our Program Sponsor Open to certified K–12 teachers throughout California Projects must be completed within the 2025–2026 school year Application Deadline: October 4, 2026 Award Announcement: November 1, 2026 Funding Distributed: January 2027 Outstanding Educator Details Recipient will receive $1,000 to support their project CFAITC will cover travel expenses for the educator to attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference Travel and registration for one Regional Teacher Conference will be provided Opportunity to speak at the Annual Teacher Conference and facilitate a workshop Project Ideas for Inspiration Host an agriculture-based assembly.

Host a farm day for a local elementary school. Host an agricultural careers day at your school. Celebrate National Agriculture Day with a field trip or class speaker about agriculture's impact in California.

Set up a pen pal program with another county or state. Have students write letters to their pals to learn about agriculture in different geographical locations. Host a field trip or farm tour.

Visit a production farming operation, greenhouse, or nursery. Tour your local farmers market while learning about the commodities that are grown in your area. Visit an agriculture trade show such as the World Ag Expo or a county fair.

Grow a pizza garden! Have students plant and harvest vegetables to make a pizza. Choose a fruit or vegetable that can be picked in season and preserved for later enjoyment.

Research the preservation process and have students create a poster to illustrate it. Purchase materials to implement a CFAITC lesson plan. Purchase agriculture-related literature from CFAITC Teacher Resource Guide for the school library.

Build a chicken coop and study the process of egg formation. Perform taste tests in your classroom to educate students about the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. Compare the look, taste, and smell of organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables.

Have students research both farming practices and record their observations in a chart or diagram. Have students select a commodity, state the nutritional benefits, and then research the by-products that are made from that commodity. Bring the commodities in for a classroom presentation.

Literacy for Life Grant application is now closed.