In accordance with Arkansas Act 243, we are pleased to announce the second year of the Agricultural Education Pilot Program in public elementary schools. This program is aimed at expanding agricultural education and fostering a better understanding of agriculture for young learners. The Division of Career and Technical Education, in collaboration with the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation will select elementary schools to join the second year pilot program for the 2026-2027 school year.

Please be aware that there is no additional funding available for the implementation of this program. Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation will provide training and curriculum for all selected schools.

Schools will be selected through an application process, and the selected schools will implement the standards outlined below.

Application Information:

• Opens: January 1, 2026
• Closes: February 16, 2026
• Application Link
• Notification of Selected Schools: March 2, 2026

Interested schools are required to complete the application in full.

Educators selected to participate in the pilot program will need to attend mandatory training sessions identified below. 

• July 7-8th, 2026 @ Little Rock, AR 

Grade Levels & Standards Included in the Pilot Program:

Kindergarten -- 1st Grade -- 2nd Grade -- 3rd Grade -- 4th Grade -- 5th Grade -- 6th Grade 

For any questions or more information, please contact:

• Jacob Marek, ADE Contact – jacob.marek@ade.arkansas.gov
• Donette Spann, Farm Bureau Contact – donette.spann@arfb.com

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