AgTEC on CBS National News

The AgTEC Workforce Initiative is making a national impact! On March 5, 2025, CBS Evening News highlighted Merced College’s Ag Systems Certificate, showcasing how competency-based education (CBE) is helping farmworkers gain the technical skills needed for the future of agriculture. This flexible, bilingual program allows students to progress at their own pace while learning industry-driven skills such as digital literacy, equipment operation, and food safety—ensuring they are prepared for higher-paying, tech-driven jobs in ag.

This recognition underscores the importance of workforce training in California’s Central Valley, where agriculture is evolving rapidly. With support from F3 AgTEC and its community college partners, this program is expanding to more schools and training more workers, strengthening the region’s ag industry from the ground up. Watch the full CBS feature to see AgTEC in action!