ELDRIDGE, Iowa — A North Scott Community School District construction project received a boost through a donation from a local cooperative.
On Monday, Oct. 23, River Valley Cooperative presented a check for $100,000 to North Scott FFA members. The donation was presented at the competition test plot that the FFA students plant and harvest in north Davenport.
The North Scott district is using the money to build the Regional Innovation Center. They hope the facility will create a pathway for students interested in industrial trades and skills. The center will focus on programs like farming, diesel mechanics, electrical engineering, plumbing and more.
The district previously received a donation from the Iowa Dept. of Education for $1 million. They hope to open the center by the fall of 2024.
The students at Monday's presentation made up the "Farm Squad," a committee of high school students who work to plan and manage the nearly 70-acre plot of farmland as part of their involvement in the agriculture program.
The group plans what will be planted and the practices used to farm the land. The team planted soybeans this year. The North Scott FFA is made up of students from North Scott, Davenport and Pleasant Valley High Schools.
River Valley Cooperative is a retail agronomy cooperative serving member-owners in Iowa and Illinois since 1906. River Valley Cooperative says they are committed to supporting and empowering youth in the agricultural industry.