USDA awarding eco-friendly grants

The United States Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for $1 billion in grants to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses invest in renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements.

USDA is looking for projects to help rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and improved infrastructure, reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change, conserve and protect farmland, and invest in underserved communities. The funding comes from the Rural Energy for America Program.

Recipients may use the money to install renewable energy systems or to make energy-efficiency improvements, according to a press release from USDA. Eligible applicants include rural small businesses and agricultural producers, with competitions held quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024.

The maximum grant is $1 million for renewable energy systems and $500,000 for energy-efficiency projects. For more information, visit bit.ly/3KnJUMO.



Robotics Camp

Robotics camp is coming back this summer.

John Jay Center for Learning has opened registration for its 2023 Summer Vex IQ Robotics Camps, slated for the weeks of June 12 through June 16 and June 19 through June 23. Options for children include a morning session from 8 to 11:45 a.m. or an afternoon session from 1 to 4:45 p.m. Camp costs $50 for both weeks and are limited to 12 participants.

To sign up, visit John Jay Center for Learning or call (260) 729-5525.