AgTEC Becomes A Statewide Model for Workforce Education

What began as an innovative approach to agricultural workforce education in California’s Central Valley is now gaining attention across the state and nation. The F3 AgTEC Workforce Initiative is now sharing its lessons and successes with colleges, educators, and industry leaders beyond the region. Through recent presentations at national conferences and collaborative visits with colleges across California, AgTEC is helping demonstrate how education can better meet the needs of working adults and prepare agricultural workers for the jobs of tomorrow.  

In September, AgTEC brought its work to Climate Week in New York City, contributing to national conversations about climate resilience, workforce development, and the important role community colleges play in preparing agricultural workers for a changing industry. 

The conversation continued at CBExchange, hosted by the Competency-Based Education Network, where representatives from AgTEC and the statewide expansion initiative, AgSTEP, joined panelists from Coalinga, Clovis, and Shasta colleges. Together, they shared practical lessons about implementing competency-based education, adapting traditional college systems to better serve working adults, and building programs that recognize students’ existing knowledge and experience. The discussion also highlighted the value of collaboration, as established AgTEC colleges share their experiences while new partner colleges bring fresh perspectives and approaches.  

That collaboration has also been taking place closer to home. Earlier this summer, Karen Aceves of ARKEN Strategies and AgTEC Regional Director, helped organize a two-day visit to the Central San Joaquin Valley for college representatives and partners preparing to expand the model statewide through AgSTEP. Representatives visited Clovis Community College, Reedley College, and Merced College to learn firsthand how the original AgTEC partners developed and implemented the program, overcame challenges, and created new opportunities for students. With AgSTEP preparing to launch other community colleges including Shasta College and Hartnell College, the visit provided an opportunity to exchange ideas, hear directly from students, and explore how the model can be adapted to serve additional communities. 

"As we continue to grow across California, I am more encouraged than ever," said Karen Aceves. "More colleges will join this work. Our network will continue to expand. And together, we will create the lasting change that our learners, our farmworkers, and our communities have always deserved."

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Learn more about the AgTEC Workforce Initiative at: https://f3agtec.org/

Learn more about the AgSTEP program at: https://www.agstep.org/