Launching the STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture Program with Brokaw Nursery
Students from Santa Paula High School at Brokaw Nursery for Part 3 of the STEM CPA Program.
January marked an exciting milestone as we launched the STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture (STEM CPA) program! In partnership with two high schools, nearly 100 students took part in immersive, hands-on learning experiences designed to connect them with careers in agriculture.
What is the STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture Program?
The STEM CPA program is a multi-part initiative that introduces students to the science, technology, and career opportunities in agriculture. The program consists of:
STEM in Ag Lab: A 1-hour classroom lab where students investigate key agricultural concepts.
Career Guidance Workshop: A 1-hour session exploring diverse career paths in agriculture.
Industry Field Trip: A 2-hour visit to a local farm or agribusiness.
Digging into Soil Science
Students kicked off the program by stepping into the role of soil scientists. In the classroom, they analyzed four distinct soil samples—conventional, regenerative, drought-stressed, and vermicompost—measuring moisture levels, testing electrical conductivity, and comparing soil health. This hands-on investigation helped them understand how soil composition impacts plant growth.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Brokaw Nursery
For the field trip, we partnered with Brokaw Nursery, a leader in avocado and kiwi cultivation. Known for its innovative grafting techniques, Brokaw plays a key role in developing disease-resistant, high-yield fruit varieties that support the agricultural industry.
During the visit, students got a firsthand look at grafting, propagation, and etiolation—essential techniques in tree cultivation. They explored the avocado trial fields, learning how rootstock selection influences growth and visited the etiolation rooms, where they discovered how temperature control and hormone treatments impact early-stage avocado development.
One of the most exciting moments came when students and teachers tried their hand at grafting, testing their skills in this specialized technique! The experience provided an engaging look at the science behind plant production and showcased the wide range of careers available in agriculture.
Looking Ahead
A huge thank you to Brokaw Nursery for opening their doors and providing such a valuable learning experience! The STEM CPA program is all about bridging the gap between students and career opportunities in agriculture, and we’re excited to continue inspiring the next generation of agricultural innovators.