The Shadow
RICHMOND, VA (VR) — Carter Humphries, a Virginia Cooperative Extension 4-H agent in Chesterfield County, has been awarded the 2024 Partnership in Agriculture Literacy Award by the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization and The National Grange.
The award recognizes Humphries’ partnership with Virginia AITC and her significant contributions to advancing agricultural literacy in her community. Through her AGventure Days program and other initiatives, Humphries has used her passion for education to share the importance of agriculture with over 25,000 students.
Humphries was presented with the PAL Award at the 2024 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in June in Salt Lake City.
“Carter is a stellar example of a successful partner with Virginia AITC,” said Tammy Maxey, Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom executive director. “In her role with 4-H, she shares the goal of connecting children to agriculture and uses program resources to teach thousands of youth the value and need for plant and animal production.”
Humphries began AGventure Days in 2020. Through the program, she collaborates with schools and teachers to create stimulating hands-on activities and lessons that engage students’ curiosity about agricultural concepts.
Working with students in suburban settings, the lessons are often their first experience in the world of agriculture.
“Many of these students don’t understand where their food comes from and don’t have a connection to agriculture,” Humphries said during a presentation to Virginia AITC’s board of directors. “So, I asked myself, ‘How can I bring that connection to them?’”
AGventure Days started with 1,800 students and 21 educators in six schools. By cultivating relationships with educators and organizations like VCE Master Gardeners, she has grown the program to reach over 9,000 students and 148 educators serving 42 elementary schools.
Covering a variety of agricultural concepts like embryology, butterfly life cycles and classroom gardens, the program’s lessons are designed to benefit students across multiple subjects.
“Almost every educator has told me that because the program is not only in a specific classroom but at their school, the school attendance improved as a whole,” she said. “It’s great to hear how students are invested in the learning experience.”
The dedicated agriculture advocate also organized the Farm Graze event in Henrico County, where she previously served as a 4-H Extension agent before relocating to Chesterfield. Through partnerships with local organizations, the community event hosts interactive activities for children to learn all about agriculture and its significance.
Humphries has received several grants from Virginia AITC for educational projects—increasing direct student impact. And each year, she participates in Agriculture Literacy Week, AITC’s volunteer reading event that provides a fun, interactive way to increase children’s knowledge of farming and food sources.
The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that promotes a greater understanding and appreciation of agriculture through education and outreach activities. To learn more and support, visit virginia.agclassroom.org.
