Tyson Foods, Inc., has awarded a $325,000 grant to the Dover (Ark.) Public Education Foundation to help fund the district’s Tyson Agricultural Education Center. The facility provides students with hands-on opportunities in several aspects of agriculture and agriculture business education.
The gift marks nearly $3.5 million in education and workforce development grants made by Tyson Foods in Arkansas since 2015, a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to invest in education in its home state.
“This grant from Tyson Foods will ensure our students have access to opportunities that will allow them to consider multiple careers,” said Jerry Owens, superintendent of Dover Public Schools. “From beef and poultry sciences to agriculture business and marketing, as well as vegetable production, this single facility will allow students to study various curricula in a state of the art environment.”
The Tyson Agricultural Education Center opened for the 2016-2017 school year and features a classroom and lab totaling 3,500 square feet, which is connected to a 2,400-square-foot animal barn.
Approximately 135 students take agricultural classes at Dover High School.
“We’re focused on creating healthier communities where we live and work,” said Debra Vernon, senior director, corporate social responsibility, Tyson Foods. “Whether that’s providing a meal, improving worker safety or expanding educational opportunities, investments like this are a perfect example of our company’s purpose coming to life.”
Tyson Foods’ recent contributions to workforce development and education in Arkansas include scholarships for single parents, agriculture education initiatives, continuing education opportunities for Team Members and grants in the areas of science technology and math.
