In November, a delegation representing the AgTEC Workforce Initiative traveled to Colorado Springs to attend the CBExchange Annual Conference, a premier event for innovators in competency-based education (CBE). This gathering brought together educators, administrators, policy makers, and thought leaders to explore how CBE is transforming education and fostering equity for diverse learners. The AgTEC team participated in two panels, sharing the story of the Ag Systems Certificate, its CBE learning model, and the crucial role community partners and instructors play in supporting students.
A highlight of the conference was the participation of Victor Moran, a Reedley College student in the AgTEC program, who joined a panel to share his personal journey. Victor, who began working as a farmworker in the Central Valley after moving from Mexico in 2012, shared how the program has reopened educational opportunities he thought were out of reach. Speaking through his professor, Jose Paz, Victor expressed his gratitude for the program’s flexibility, its availability in Spanish, and the invaluable support from his instructor and Pathway Navigator, Jerry. “For me, it’s an enriching, satisfying experience that brought me back to a chapter of my life I thought I had left behind,” Victor shared through his translator and professor Jose Paz.
The AgTEC program’s CBE model was a key focus at the conference. Designed for flexibility, CBE allows students like Victor to progress at their own pace, earning credentials based on demonstrated skills rather than traditional coursework. This innovative approach has proven to be especially impactful for adult learners balancing work, family, and education. The AgTEC team highlighted the importance of community partnerships and the deep connections between industry, educators, and students that make the program a success.
Attending CBExchange inspired the AgTEC delegation with renewed energy and ideas to continue advancing competency-based education in the Central Valley. The team left with valuable insights and strengthened relationships, ready to bring the next wave of innovation to adult learners in agriculture. Special thanks to Victor Moran for sharing his story, and to Professor Jose Paz for his unwavering dedication to supporting his students.
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