Send a Back-to-School Box to Ag Teachers This August

By Blake Jackson

Agriculture educators play a vital role in teaching students about the importance of farming and the agricultural community. This August, you can show appreciation for these dedicated teachers by sending them a back-to-school box through the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow (DLT) program.

With a $35 donation to the Dairy Excellence Foundation, you can send a curated box to an agriculture teacher in Pennsylvania or beyond. These boxes include helpful office supplies, a gift card, a classroom poster, and other thoughtful items. Donors can also include a personalized note to express their gratitude and encouragement.

All donations must be submitted by July 31, 2025, to ensure the boxes arrive before the start of the new school year. To participate, visit www.dairyleadersoftomorrow.com/send-a-box or call 717-346-0849.

“These back-to-school boxes continue to be a great way for the entire dairy industry to come together and show our appreciation for agriculture educators at the start of the school year,” said Michelle Shearer, Workforce Development Manager at the Dairy Excellence Foundation.

“Whether you’re a dairy producer, a community member or industry professional, thanks for considering this opportunity to help us share positivity and encouragement to as many educators as possible this August.”

If you know an educator’s mailing address, you can send a box directly to them. Otherwise, the DLT team will ensure it reaches a teacher in your county. Over the past two years, many individuals from the dairy and agriculture sectors have embraced this initiative.

“One of the major initiatives for the Lancaster County Ag Council is ag education, especially educating our youth. With that in mind, the ag educators in Lancaster County play a very important role in the agricultural education process of Lancaster County youth,” said Greg Kirkham, Executive Director of the Lancaster County Agriculture Council, one of the sponsors for the boxes last year.

“The teachers were very appreciative of the thoughtfulness from all involved in providing this recognition to them. I heard from many who expressed how opening the box eased some anxiety when preparing for the new school year not to mention the practicality of several items enclosed in the box.”

Sponsorship options are also available. Contact Jayne Sebright at jsebright@centerfordairyexcellence.org for more details or reach out to Michelle Shearer at mshearer@centerfordairyexcellence.org or 570-768-8316 with questions.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-lisegagne