WATERTOWN, S.D. – The Central Plains Dairy Foundation (CPDF) appropriated funds for the Dairy Innovators Grant to support English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in the region in 2021. CPDF is proud to announce the first grant has been awarded to the Milbank School District.
The Dairy Innovators Grant was created as a funding source for nonprofit organizations that provide innovative programs and solutions to the challenges facing the people of dairy and the future of the industry. The Foundation’s $1,000 grant was matched by Valley Queen Cheese Factory and a local dairy farm, Victory Farms. The Foundation’s original $1,000 quickly became $3,000 to support ESL students in a South Dakota classroom.
“ESL programs create important opportunities for businesses like ours to deepen connections with Spanish speaking employees,” said Jason Mischel, VP of Sales and Procurement at Valley Queen. “As our business grows, our need for bilingual communicators will increase as well. We’re glad to support the Foundation’s efforts and provide these resources that benefit our employees and their families.”
The Foundation is thrilled to partner with Milbank School District and similar organizations in an effort to expand the support of ESL programs which address an important need for dairy producers and their employees.
“Migrant workers and their family are often drawn to rural communities for jobs in agriculture,” says Chris Maxwell of the Central Plains Dairy Foundation. “These individuals and their families play an important role in South Dakota dairies. We work to support them through educational opportunities and strengthening communication skills as we welcome them to the community and to ensure a strong future for their children.”
Milbank continues to grow and develop into a strong community. According to Christine Townsend, Migrant Coordinator at Milbank Schools, the need for migrant workers has expanded over the years. The number of students in my middle school and elementary program has grown from 23 to 80 students over the past seven years.
“It is an honor for our farm to be involved in this opportunity to help migrant youth thrive in the local ESL program in the Milbank School District,” said Suzanne and Kevin Souza of Victory Farms. “As their parents play a crucial part in the dairy industry, especially on our farm, it is important that we provide their children with as many resources that will help them to not only strengthen their communication skills, but inspire them to find their spark in either the dairy industry or the path they decide to take in the future.”
The Foundation is grateful to have support from industry locals in order to provide expanded opportunities for ESL education in rural South Dakota. Funding has been appropriated for four additional communities in the Central Plains region, including Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
For additional information about the Central Plains Dairy Foundation, visit centralplainsdairyfoundation.
— Central Plains Dairy Foundation