Oran FFA Chapter receives grants for a community project

JEFFERSON CITY -- Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce announced that 21 youth groups, including one from Southeast Missouri, were awarded grants from the Missouri Department of Agriculture's 2015 Building Our American Communities grant program today. Eleven local chapters of the National FFA Organization and ten Missouri 4-H clubs statewide have been awarded funds for their community service projects this year.

"Missouri's FFA and 4-H youth continue to inspire me with their leadership and generosity," said Director Fordyce. "These young men and women are future agriculture leaders, and it is outstanding to see them work on projects that make a difference in their communities. Congratulations to each of the organizations participating in the Building Our American Communities program."

Each of the 2015 awardees will receive $500 toward their projects, which may include upgrades or additions to existing facilities, grounds or buildings, such as fairgrounds, parks or community centers used by local organizations.

Local 2015 grant recipients are:

· Oran FFA Chapter, Oran (Scott County)·

* Tilsit 4-H Club, Cape Girardeau (Cape Girardeau County)

The Building Our American Communities program has been supporting youth projects since the 1970s.