Eastern Regional Research Center

ERRC's Adopt-A-School Program

In October 1983, the President signed a proclamation concerning the National Partnership in Education Program, popularly referred to as the Adopt-A-School Program. The Eastern Regional Research Center (ERRC), ARS/USDA, immediately began adoption processes and throughout the years, has adopted 5 schools in Philadelphia, PA, as follows:

• Saul Agricultural High School
• Theodore Roosevelt Middle School
• Fitzsimons Middle School
• Jay Cooke Middle School
• Julia de Burgos Elementary School

Through the years these schools have been visited by ERRC scientists, engineers and support staff, giving demonstrations, lectures and encouragement. These activities throughout the school year have been very successful. The ERRC visiting teams are enthusiastic, the teachers grateful, and the students attentive. In the fall, schedules will be set up again. These visits may be the only personal exposure the students will have to a career in science. ERRC staff hopes that some seeds have been planted in the students minds and that at least a small amount of incentive is provided to pursue a career in the field of agriculture.

In addition to the Adopt-A-School Program, ERRC has many other partnership programs, e.g., Career Days at ERRC; Shadowing Day at ERRC; Future Scientists Day at ERRC; after school and on-line mentoring programs; summer student employment programs; science fair judges, donation of excess items, etc.

These mutually enriching partnerships benefit all involved the USDA and the community.

Partnering

If any organization wishes to partner with the Eastern Regional Research Center in their research, there are a variety of methods available.  You can cooperate in or sponsor research under the following types of agreements:

• Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) (Office of Technology Transfer)  
• Trust Fund Cooperative Agreement (TFCA)
• Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement (RCA)
• Specific Cooperative Agreement (SCA)  
• Assistance-Type Cooperative Agreement (ATCA)
• Grant

For additional information on CRADA, please email the Technology Transfer Officer (TTO) by clicking on this link:  email to TTO

For additional information on all other agreements, please email the Extramural Agreements Specialist (EAS) by clicking on this link:  email to EAS

If you are a vendor who wishes to do business with this organization, please email the Purchasing Agent (PA) in the administrative office by clicking on this link:  email to PA