Urban Ag program receives $10,000 from BP Canada

BP presnetation

MCHS teacher Neil Korotash, Urban Agriculture students Douglas Smith and Tyrell Brink and GSACRD Morinville Ward School Trustee Noreen
Radford. – Lucie Roy Photo

by Lucie Roy

Morinville Community High School Urban Agriculture teacher Neil Korotash received a big surprise May 26, a $10,000 cheque from BP Canada for his program. The funding came from a grant he applied for from the BP Canada’s A+ Energy Program, an initiative that awards Alberta and NWT teachers up to $10,000 to bring new and creative energy projects to their classrooms.

Korotash said the money would be used for energy efficient type projects next year, and that it will be up to the students to come up with projects. The grant requires students to investigate alternative lighting options to determine which are the most efficient. Students will then compare data with MCHS’ existing lighting usage and share their findings with various stakeholders. The project’s goal is to potentially improve energy efficiency in other schools, home gardens, and local greenhouses as well as reduce the environmental footprint at MCHS.

“I think I speak for everyone at BP when I say how proud we are of the impact A+ for Energy has had and continues to have with Alberta schools,” said Stephen Willis, President and Chairman of BP Canada, in a release on the grant program. “The goal is to create energy knowledge among young students and these grants help them bring innovative energy projects to life, providing hands-on experience for students.”

Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools Morinville Ward trustee Noreen
Radford was present for the announcement and was also pleased with the grant and the project it will fund. “Kudos to the teacher, Neil Korotash, that made this course happen,” Radford said. While at the presentation, Radford had the opportunity to sample fresh bread and jam Urban Ag students have made.

MCHS $10,000 cheque is one of 41 A+ for Energy grants to be awarded across Alberta this year.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email