Strong partnerships create extraordinary opportunities.

At the John de la Howe School Foundation, we work year-round to secure grants, cultivate corporate partnerships, and engage generous donors who believe in the mission of the South Carolina Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe.

Every successful grant application represents new opportunities for students to learn, grow, and experience agriculture in meaningful ways.

This summer, we're proud to celebrate one of those partnerships.

The Governor's School was selected as one of only 43 organizations to receive a 2025–2026 Growing Our Communities Grant from AgSouth Farm Credit. Chosen from 210 applications submitted across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, this competitive award will help support another successful season of youth summer camps while advancing the Governor's School's mission of preparing future agricultural leaders.

1. A Competitive Grant with Meaningful Impact

The AgSouth Growing Our Communities Grant Program is a competitive, application-based funding opportunity that awards grants of up to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations and farmers markets working to strengthen agriculture and rural communities throughout AgSouth's 147-county service territory.

During the 2025–2026 funding cycle, 210 organizations applied for funding. Only 43 organizations were selected.

Receiving this award reflects not only the strength of the Governor's School's summer camp programming, but also the Foundation's commitment to pursuing private funding that enhances educational opportunities for students and families.

2. Growing a Love for Agriculture

Each June, the Governor's School's Education Center welcomes children ages 6–14 for immersive summer camps that introduce them to agriculture through exploration, discovery, and outdoor adventure.

This year's camps included:

• Pollinator Camp

• Stable Hands Equine Camp

• Barnyard Fun

• Outdoor Adventure Camp

  
  

Approximately 360 children participate in these camps each year, gaining hands-on experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, and a greater appreciation for South Carolina's agricultural heritage.

Families interested in future camp opportunities can learn more by visiting the Governor's School's Education Center webpage.

3. Partnerships Like These Create Lasting Opportunities

The Foundation believes every successful partnership creates opportunities that extend far beyond a single grant cycle.

Support from AgSouth helps provide educational experiences that encourage children to explore agriculture, conservation, animal science, and the outdoors while creating lasting memories.

"Our Growing Our Communities Grant is another way that AgSouth Farm Credit strives to enhance agriculture and rural communities in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina," said Chad Puryear, CEO of AgSouth Farm Credit. "These grants help provide project funding for many great organizations across our territory."

For the Governor's School, this investment means more children can experience agriculture in engaging and meaningful ways.

4. Continued Support Builds Stronger Communities

This year's award marks the second Growing Our Communities Grant awarded to support the Governor's School's summer camp program, following funding received during the 2023–2024 grant cycle.

Continued support from organizations like AgSouth demonstrates confidence in both the Governor's School's educational mission and the Foundation's stewardship of private philanthropy.

"We're grateful for AgSouth's continued partnership and belief in our mission," said Stacie Smith, Executive Director of the John de la Howe School Foundation. "Their investment allows us to create opportunities that inspire curiosity, encourage exploration, and introduce young people to the many possibilities within agriculture. Together, we're helping cultivate an appreciation for agriculture that can last a lifetime."

5. Every Partnership Helps Advance the Mission

Every successful grant application represents more than funding—it represents opportunity.

The John de la Howe School Foundation actively pursues competitive grants, cultivates corporate partnerships, and builds relationships with generous donors who believe in the mission of the South Carolina Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe.

Those philanthropic investments help expand educational opportunities that might not otherwise be possible, from youth summer camps and student scholarships to innovative programs that prepare young people for careers in agriculture.

AgSouth's generosity is one example of how strategic partnerships help move the Governor's School's mission forward while allowing the Foundation to connect donors, businesses, and grantmakers with meaningful opportunities to make a lasting impact.

🌱 Join Our Mission

Behind every successful program is a community of supporters who believe in the future of agricultural education.

Whether through a corporate grant, foundation award, business sponsorship, or individual gift, private philanthropy allows the John de la Howe School Foundation to expand opportunities for students at the Governor's School.

There are many ways to get involved:

🤝 Recommend a Grant Opportunity

If you know of a grant program that supports agriculture, education, youth development, workforce readiness, or rural communities, we'd love to connect.

🏢 Become a Corporate Partner

Businesses can strengthen agricultural education through sponsorships, grants, employee giving programs, and strategic partnerships.

❤️ Support the Foundation

Every gift helps create opportunities that prepare students for success and advance the mission of the Governor's School.

☀️ Learn More About Summer Camps

Discover how the Governor's School's Education Center introduces hundreds of young people to agriculture each summer through engaging educational experiences.

Learn More

• John de la Howe School Foundation

• Governor's School Education Center & Summer Camps

• AgSouth Growing Our Communities Grant Program