Customer Story

When you walk into the ag classroom at Elgin High School, you immediately sense a spirit of hard work and pride. At the center of it all is Daniel Bolen, a dedicated agriculture teacher whose passion for student success has transformed a modest school program into a thriving hub of hands-on learning. Through relentless effort, community backing and crucial funding like AgWest's Rural Community Grant, Elgin High School is a model for what is possible when communities invest in the next generation of agriculture.

Daniel knew he wanted to be an agriculture teacher by the time he was a sophomore in high school. Growing up in eastern Oregon, his parents instilled a fierce work ethic in him - a drive he now passes on to his students. After teaching in various districts, Daniel moved to Elgin in 2014 to find an agriculture shop that needed significant upgrades.

that outside funding was the only way to build the program his students deserved. Over the past 12 years, he has successfully secured nearly $1.3 million in grant funding.

But for Daniel, money is simply a tool. His real passion lies in creating "aha" moments for his students - those instances when a difficult concept finally clicks. “I’ve always had a passion to see youth succeed,” Daniel said. “That’s really where my drive comes from.”

When Daniel first arrived, the school had a single greenhouse with a failing heater. Today, thanks to strategic grant funding, the school operates multiple updated greenhouses and is currently finishing a massive third structure.

These greenhouses do much more than grow flowers; they cultivate vital skills for students. Every spring, the agriculture program hosts a highly anticipated community plant sale. What started as a modest $1,000 fundraiser has blossomed into an event that grosses up to $8,000 annually.

While Elgin is surrounded by timber and cattle industries, many high school students live in town and lack daily exposure to agriculture. Daniel and the Elgin community are working to bridge that gap through an ambitious new project: the Building Agricultural Resource Network, or BARN. Once all funding is secured, the BARN project will provide a dedicated teaching facility on a newly purchased four-acre plot on the edge of town. This facility will give students who do not have acreage at home a place to raise market animals and gain hands-on livestock experience.

The initiative gained momentum when sheep were donated to the school from across the state. “I drove through the night to pick them up because it was so hot,” Daniel said. “The coolest temperature that night was 90 degrees.” He even initially housed the sheep at his own property, but they have since been moved while the school finalizes the new farm space.

None of these projects happen in a vacuum, and Elgin High School proves what dedicated educators can achieve when given the right resources. The success of the Elgin High School agriculture program highlights the passion of dedicated educators like Daniel, eager students and generous community partners. The grants Daniel has secured have helped turn his ag class into a premier agriculture program that helps the local community, beautifies the town and prepares students for bright futures.

“Successful grant writing is really about understanding what the funding organization values,” said Daniel, “and clearly showing how what you’re already doing aligns with those goals.” When those two missions meet, the impact is truly transformative.

Plant a seed in your community through AgWest’s Rural Community Grants

Elgin High School’s story shows what’s possible when rural communities have access to the right funding at the right time. Through AgWest’s Rural Community Grant program, organizations can apply for support to launch projects that create lasting local impact—from strengthening educational programs to improving facilities and resources that help rural communities thrive.

The grants support nonprofit organizations in rural communities across Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Eligible groups can apply online for projects such as facility improvements, equipment purchases and other capital investments that strengthen rural communities. Grant requests may be made up to $5,000. Applications are reviewed monthly, and applicants should be prepared to provide a letter of support from a current AgWest employee or active customer, evidence of a portion of funds already raised, and, if selected, a W-9 or IRS determination letter.

Learn more at AgWestFC.com/Rural-Grants

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