What is the STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture Program?

The STEM Careers Pathways in Agriculture program immerses high school students in the diverse world of agriculture, offering them hands-on experience in agronomy, technology, and engineering through classroom labs and real-world exposure during field trips. Students explore career opportunities, align their strengths with industry roles, and gain insights into relevant degrees and certifications. By the program's end, they will have discovered a variety of career options, connected with industry professionals, and learned about educational pathways, leaving the program ready to pursue their future in agriculture.

2025 Partner Farms

Brokaw Nursery

Field Trip Description:
Brokaw Nursery specializes in growing high-quality avocado trees, with a focus on advanced horticultural practices. During the STEM field trip, students will learn about the avocado growing process, including grafting techniques and propagation systems used to cultivate healthy, productive trees.
Calendar Dates:
Wednesday, January 22
Wednesday, January 29
Bonipak Produce

Field Trip Description:
Experience the inner workings of Bonipak Produce, a large-scale operation renowned for its innovative agricultural practices. During the field trip, students will explore the entire Seed to Sale process, gaining insights into planting, harvesting, cooling, and shipping.
Calendar Dates:
Wednesday, February 26
Wednesday, April 9
Plantel Nurseries

Field Trip Description:
Plantel Nurseries is a leading producer of plant seedlings. During the STEM field trip, students will explore the seeding process and plant genetics, tour the germination chamber and nursery growing areas, and learn about irrigation systems.
Calendar Dates:
Wednesday, February 12
Wednesday, February, 19
Reiter Affiliated Companies

Field Trip Description:
Explore the precision and innovation involved in cultivating premium-quality berries at Reiter Affiliated Companies. Students will have the opportunity to tour a ranch to learn about their growing process or engage with a panel of agricultural industry professionals, hearing inspiring stories about their career journeys.
Calendar Dates:
Wednesday, March 5
Wednesday, March 19
Wednesday, May 7
Wednesday, May 21
Driscoll's

Field Trip Description:
Driscoll's specializes in growing berries year-round, with a strong commitment to sustainable farming practices and innovative breeding techniques. During the STEM field trip, students will explore substrate moisture assessment techniques, participate in a flavor-testing session, and gain valuable insights into the company's crop breeding program.
Calendar Dates:
Wednesday, March 12
Wednesday, March 26
Wednesday, May 14
Las Cumbres Ranch

Field Trip Description:
Las Cumbres Ranch is dedicated to sustainable cattle ranching and regenerative agriculture practices. During the STEM field trip, students will explore the intricacies of cattle management, soil health, and sustainable grazing techniques that contribute to the ranch's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Calendar Dates:
Wednesday, April 23
Wednesday, April 30
Santa Barbara Blueberries

Field Trip Description:
Santa Barbara Blueberries, a nationally acclaimed UPick berry farm, embraces diverse agroecology practices. During the STEM field trip, students will participate in hands-on activities, learning about sustainable farming techniques and the dynamic relationship between plants and soil biology, all while exploring the farm's innovative strategies in food systems and land stewardship.
Calendar Dates:
Wednesday, April 16

Program Overview

Part 1: STEM-Based Lab

During this one-hour lab, students engage in hands-on activities in agronomy, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Examples include constructing a hydroponics system or setting up a soil health monitoring lab.
Part 2: Career Guidance Workshop

After the STEM-Based Lab, students begin by uncovering their strengths through the Holland Code (RIASEC) personality test. They then explore agricultural careers aligned with their interests, including job opportunities, relevant degrees, and high school courses. The workshop is designed to help students see how their unique traits align with various career paths in agriculture.
Part 3: Field Trip

Upon completion of the Career Guidance Workshop, students have the opportunity to tour a diverse range of local agricultural facilities, providing them with a firsthand look at the various career opportunities within the industry and a glimpse into the daily lives of agricultural professionals.

The STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture program includes both pre- and post-program resources to support participating students. Before the STEM Lab, students will watch a 20-minute introductory video providing an overview of agriculture, helping them gain foundational knowledge and prepare for the program. After completing the three-part series, classes will receive a post-program resource featuring a career pathways video that outlines tangible next steps, local college programs and degrees, and insights from Cal Poly students about their studies and future aspirations.

Program Mission

The STEM Careers Pathways in Agriculture program aims to educate, inspire, and empower high school students to explore and pursue diverse career pathways in agriculture, contributing to the local economy and community.

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