2023 Summer AgriCULTURE Institute Registration Open
Two Professional Development Courses for PreK-12 Grade Teachers

The Summer AgriCULTURE Institutes are hands-on professional development courses designed for educators. This is not your typical professional development class. Past participants have said our course is like summer camp for adults!


July 10-14, 2023 – Durango: Crossroads of agriculture and education. If you’re new to Agriculture in the Classroom or if you’d like to learn about agriculture and natural resources in the southwest, this five-day course is for you. Ranching, farming, produce, water, and integrating agriculture into your school are just a few of the topics that you will learn about through on-site tours and presentations from industry experts. PreK-12 formal and informal educators in all disciplines from across the Four Corners region and beyond are welcome. Registration of $95 includes 2.5 Continuing Education Units (37.5 clock hours) and 3 free optional graduate level credits from Colorado State University.
••Confirmed tours: Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project, Stone Peak Ranch, Milligan's Bees, McComb Ranch, and more. Plus get training on lessons from the education specialists at the National Center for Agricultural Literacy!

July 18-20, 2023 – Denver: The science of animal agriculture. A NEW, three-day professional development opportunity focused on immersive learning experiences in science education. From veterinary science to climate impacts of livestock production to food production, participants will learn directly from industry experts and be equipped with lessons and resources that can be immediately used in the classroom. While this session will be science-focused, it is open to all preK-12 grade formal and informal educators from Colorado and surrounding states. Registration of $45 includes 1.5 Continuing Education Units (22.5 clock hours) and 1 free optional graduate level credit from Colorado State University. 
••Confirmed tours: Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, CSU AgNext, CDA Animal Health Lab, CSU Spur Campus, plus speakers on pork production and soil health!

To learn more, visit: http://bit.ly/CoAITC-SAI or email jennifer@coagclassroom.org.

Help spread the word by sharing this flyer with educators in your school, district, community, and beyond.
2023 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference - Early Bird Rate Ends May 21

Join us in Orlando, Florida, for the premier professional development event for preK through 12th grade teachers, volunteers, and professionals in agricultural literacy.

Conference registration includes teacher professional development workshops, delicious meals, a traveling workshop experience into Florida's agriculture industry, networking and resource sharing with fellow educators and industry experts in agriculture and education, optional tours, and unforgettable memories!

The early bird registration rate of $435.00 ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 21, 2023. Afterwards, registration increases to $485 until June 16. Onsite registration is $585.

Matrix Featured Resources
Congratulations 2023 Literacy Project Contest Winners

We are excited to announce the winners of the 2023 Literacy Project Creative Contest. Students were asked to answer the question "Why are Colorado public lands important?" by either drawing a picture, writing a poem, or writing an opinion or persuasive piece. Thank you to the teachers and students for their awesome entries and congratulations to the top two winners in each category (separated by age divisions of PreK-2 and 3-5). Click the links below to see the winning entries.

PreK-2 Art Drawing Category
  • 1st place: Capri, Sts. Peter and Paul STEM, Wheat Ridge
  • 2nd place: Malachi, Sts. Peter and Paul STEM, Wheat Ridge
PreK-2 Poem Category
  • 1st place: Cate, Sts. Peter and Paul STEM, Wheat Ridge
3-5 Art Drawing Category
3-5 Poem Category
  • 1st place: Julia, Bethune School, Bethune
  • 2nd place: Avery, James M. Kyffin Elementary, Golden
3-5 Opinion or Persuasive Piece
  • 1st place: Max, James M. Kyffin Elementary, Golden
  • 2nd place: Jude, James M. Kyffin Elementary, Golden
Colorado Reader: The Story of Colorado Beef
Students will examine the importance of the beef cattle industry, including where cattle are produced in Colorado, the beef production life cycle, and the key role cattle play in a sustainable food system. Concepts related to Colorado land use and sustainability are also introduced. Sponsored by the Colorado Beef Council.
Colorado Reader: Careers in Agriculture
Full- and part-time jobs related to agriculture and the food sector account for 10.5% of total U.S. employment. In Colorado, agriculture employs more than 170,000 people across the state. Students discover the high quantity, quality, and diversity of agricultural careers available in seven career pathways. Sponsored by the Colorado Department of Agriculture Ag Leadership Grant and the Adopt-A-Classroom program.
The Journey 2050 program is a unique combination of lesson plans and an educational gaming platform. The seven-level game and program meets educational standards for science, geography, social studies, STEM, career and technical education and agriculture classes. Lesson topics include: sustainability, soil, water, economy, geography, culture, careers, agriculture technology and project-based learning. It is geared to grades 6-12, is free of charge and is compatible on all devices.


Virtual Guest Speaker Presentation and Classroom Kit

Book a virtual guest speaker presentation to receive a FREE classroom kit. Quantities are limited. What is in the kit? The kit contains materials for THREE hands-on activities for 30 students.
  • 30 compostable cups/lids 
  • 30 compostable straws 
  • 6 Sharpie markers to draw lines on the cup (the cups are still compostable after being marked) 
  • 300 sunflower microgreen seeds (10 per cup) 
  • 6 flexible cutting boards and pairing knives 
  • $20 gift card to purchase apples 
  • Barrel/Nutrients Poster (a teacher gift) 
  • Instructions for activities 
  • Media card highlighting the remaining levels in the program and providing student action ideas 
  • Colorado Curriculum Connections page
  • Farmers 2050 promo card 

For questions or to book a guest speaker presentation, visit Journey2050.com or email Lucee Church, Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom (CoAITC) education program coordinator.
Ways you can support Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom
Link your King Soopers/City Market loyalty card and support the Colorado Foundation for Agriculture every time you shop. Visit the King Soopers Community Rewards page to sign up for this free program.
You can set up your gift at any time through the Community First Foundation.
The Colorado Foundation for Agriculture is a 501(c)3 nonprofit education corporation. Our mission is connecting Colorado educators and students to their food, fiber, fuel, and natural resources through the Agriculture in the Classroom® program.

You can support our efforts to advance agricultural literacy by making your tax-deductible gift today at https://bit.ly/givecfa.

Giving is not just about making a donation.
It's about making a difference!

Thank You Sponsors!
Listed below are sponsors at the Champion of Education and Honor Roll levels.
A listing of all sponsors can be found on our website.