Viola Elementary Approved for Arkansas Agri Pilot Program

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Viola Elementary School in Arkansas has been approved to participate in the Arkansas Elementary Agri Pilot Program, a new initiative through the state's Department of Education and Farm Bureau to introduce agricultural education to 5th and 6th grade students. The program will provide a dedicated weekly class taught by a specially trained teacher, with the goal of growing interest and enrollment in the school's high school agriculture program.

Why it matters

The pilot program is part of a broader effort to expose more young students to agriculture and farming at an earlier age, helping build a stronger pipeline of future agricultural workers and leaders. As rural communities face challenges in retaining youth, initiatives like this can help spark interest and appreciation for the agricultural industry.

The details

The Arkansas Elementary Agri Pilot Program will be implemented at Viola Elementary in the 2026-27 school year, the second year of the statewide initiative. The curriculum will be taught in an engaging, hands-on way to 5th and 6th grade students once per week by a teacher who receives specialized training over the summer. Viola Elementary Principal Mandy Adams sees the program as a great fit for the district, hoping it will help grow enrollment in the high school agriculture program.

• The 2026-27 school year will be the second year of the Arkansas Elementary Agri Pilot Program.
• Viola Elementary will begin participating in the program in the 2026-27 school year.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Arkansas Elementary Agri Pilot Program will continue into its second year in the 2026-27 school year, with Viola Elementary as one of the participating schools.