Alysandra Gomez Joins Yuma County Cooperative Extension as Ag in Classroom Specialist

The Yuma County Cooperative Extension announced that Alysandra Gomez has joined the office as the new Ag in the Classroom specialist, and she plans initiatives to connect students with local agriculture through engaging programs, the Yuma Sun announced on March 4. Gomez’s hire places a dedicated specialist in an office that works directly with county schools and community partners to boost agricultural literacy across Yuma County.

Local funding and program support for classroom agriculture already exist alongside Gomez’s new post. The Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association and GoAg! are offering mini grants up to $1,500 to support the integration of agriculture into learning environments in Yuma County. Grant funds may be used to develop innovative lessons, activities, classroom resources, guest speakers, outreach programs, field trips and other projects that promote ag literacy.

GoAg! materials emphasize the grants’ design: “These mini grants are designed to initiate new projects or expand existing projects that promote ag literacy.” The site states that “Successful applicants will be compensated not to exceed 10% of the grant award.” At the time of the announcement, the GoAg! page says that “Applications are closed. Check back in September 2026,” signaling the next opportunity window for Yuma County teachers.

Alongside mini grants, GoAg! and the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association are running an educator recognition program. “The Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association and GoAg! are honoring one Yuma County Kinder- 12th grade educator currently engaged in classroom instruction,” and “This award recognizes an educator for their efforts to educate students about the importance of agriculture.” The educator selected will be awarded $2,500. The GoAg! content notes: “Nomination Deadline has passed. Winner will be announced in January 2026.”

Resource materials for teachers are highlighted on the GoAg! site that the Cooperative Extension and local educators can draw from. Headings include “Ag Careers,” “USDA,” “Ag in the Classroom” and “Ag Lab - The Future Starts Here,” with “Ag Lab” identified as a “USDA resource for teachers.” The site also lists “New Lesson Plans for 3rd Grade Educators” and explicitly notes “3rd Grade lesson plan and materials available.” The page gives “Special thanks to our partners at the University of Arizona and Arizona Western College for their continued support,” and features logos for the University of Arizona, Arizona Western College, Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association and Go Ag Now.

Gomez’s arrival coincides with these established local programs and financial awards aimed at K–12 educators and community nominators — “students, parents and colleagues” are cited as part of the nomination process for the educator award. As Ag in the Classroom specialist, Alysandra Gomez will join a network of partners that includes the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association, GoAg!, the University of Arizona, Arizona Western College and USDA resources, positioning the Cooperative Extension to support expanded agriculture education in Yuma County classrooms.