What's Happening?
Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) has been awarded a $236,360 grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture under the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. This funding will support SEEAG's STEM Career Pathways In Agriculture program,
which aims to educate over 2,500 high school students in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The program includes a three-part STEM learning model featuring lab work, career guidance, and field trips to local farms and nurseries. The initiative is designed to expose students to science, technology, and engineering related to specialty crops, and to connect them with agricultural professionals. Participating farms include Bonipak Produce, Driscoll’s, and McGrath Family Farms, among others. The program is offered at no cost to students, teachers, and schools, including transportation.
Why It's Important?
The grant awarded to SEEAG is significant as it supports the development of future professionals in the agricultural sector, a critical industry in California. By providing students with hands-on experience and exposure to agricultural careers, the program addresses the growing need for skilled workers in agriculture, particularly in areas such as soil science and sustainability. This initiative not only benefits students by expanding their career opportunities but also supports the agricultural industry by fostering a new generation of knowledgeable professionals. The program's focus on STEM education aligns with broader educational goals to enhance science and technology skills among students, which are essential for addressing modern agricultural challenges.
What's Next?
SEEAG plans to implement the expanded program over a 2.66-year term, reaching more students and potentially increasing the number of participating farms and nurseries. As the program progresses, it may attract additional funding and partnerships, further enhancing its reach and impact. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for similar programs in other regions, promoting agricultural education and career pathways nationwide. Stakeholders, including educational institutions and agricultural businesses, may monitor the program's outcomes to assess its effectiveness in preparing students for careers in agriculture.
