ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Longer days, warming weather and the first signs of green popping up across Maryland can only mean one thing: spring is on the way.
At the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation (MAEF), spring is one of the organization’s favorite seasons. It is a time when agricultural education programs grow, students get excited about hands-on learning and new opportunities bloom across the state. From celebrating the next generation of agricultural leaders to helping classrooms discover where their food comes from, there are plenty of ways to get involved this season.
FFA Day in Annapolis
Blue jackets filled the halls of Annapolis as Maryland FFA members gathered for FFA Day in Annapolis, sharing the story of agriculture with state leaders and celebrating the future of the industry.
The annual event gives students the chance to meet with legislators, showcase the impact of agricultural education and highlight how FFA prepares young people for careers in agriculture, science, leadership and beyond. MAEF supports programs that help students grow their knowledge and confidence as the next generation of agricultural leaders in Maryland.
Ag Literacy Week
One of MAEF’s favorite weeks of the year is approaching. Ag Literacy Week will take place March 16–20, bringing agriculture directly into classrooms across Maryland.
During the week, volunteers and educators read the featured book The Dog Who Saved the Bees and lead hands-on activities that help students understand the important role agriculture and pollinators play in everyday life. The program connects stories, science and agriculture while showing students how food, farming and the environment work together.
There is still time to order a kit.
MAEF and Seibel Scholarships
While winter weather may slow things down for a moment, it is also a time to plan ahead. Applications for the 2026 MAEF Academic Scholarships and the Dr. Ronald J. Seibel Scholarship are now open.
The scholarships support students pursuing education and careers in agriculture and related fields, helping grow the next generation of leaders in Maryland’s top industry. Students interested in agriculture are encouraged to apply.
LET’S GRO Together Grants
Spring is also a time when many schools begin planning gardens and outdoor learning spaces. The LET’S GRO Together Grants support school and community garden projects that provide hands-on learning opportunities.
Through the grants, students can explore agriculture, nutrition, science and environmental stewardship. From planting seeds to harvesting produce, the projects allow students to see agriculture in action while learning valuable life skills.
As the seasons change, so do opportunities to connect students with agriculture. From classrooms to gardens to career pathways, MAEF programs help students understand how agriculture shapes their lives every day.
Those interested in participating this spring can sign up for Ag Literacy Week, encourage students to apply for MAEF and Seibel scholarships, or start a garden project with a LET’S GRO Together Grant.
- Sign up for Ag Literacy Week
- Encourage students to apply for MAEF & Seibel Scholarships
- Start a garden project with a LET’S GRO Together Grant
