Progress 11/15/23 to 11/14/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience reached during this period included Hispanic and Latino working adults, single mothers, nonworking adults, former agricultural field workers, current farm workers, agricultural professionals, and college students. This third cohort of Ag Technology students, while small, demonstrates a strong interest in increasing their knowledge and skills in advanced technologies. The classes, which are hybrid and include hands-on lab work in real-world applications, focus on technology, computer skills, employability skills, and agriscience. Efforts to deliver this science-based knowledge include formal classroom instruction, laboratory instruction, practicum experiences, curriculum development, innovative teaching methodologies, internships, workshops, experiential learning opportunities, extension, and outreach. The cohort includes: one student who immigrated from Mexico 10 years ago and initially struggled to find work but has since been promoted due to participating in this program; another student, a current agricultural worker between jobs, who despite being older, attends every class, especially to learn technical skills; and a farmworker who is striving to improve his opportunities and hopes to become "El Jefe" (the boss). This work matters to Hispanic and Latino individuals within the agricultural sector and related fields for several key reasons. This demographic represents a significant portion of the agricultural workforce, yet they often face barriers to advancement due to limited access to education, training, and technological skills. By providing accessible, hands-on training in technology, computer skills, employability skills, and agriscience, this program directly addresses these barriers. It empowers individuals to enhance their existing skills, acquire new ones, and ultimately improve their career prospects, economic stability, and overall quality of life. The program's focus on real-world applications and hybrid learning models makes it particularly relevant and adaptable to the needs of working adults, including single mothers and those currently employed in agriculture. Furthermore, by targeting those who have historically faced challenges in finding or retaining employment, such as recent immigrants and older workers, the program fosters greater equity and inclusion within the agricultural industry. Ultimately, this work matters because it invests in the human capital of a vital workforce, contributing to a more skilled, resilient, and equitable agricultural sector. Changes/Problems:A significant challenge encountered during this reporting period was the transition between project directors. This change required time for the new director to become fully acquainted with the project's goals, activities, and existing partnerships, causing some initial delays in project implementation. Additionally, the college's standard application process and document requirements presented a hurdle for many prospective students, particularly those who were undocumented or English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. These requirements created barriers to entry and necessitated additional support and guidance for these students to navigate the application process. While no changes to the core program curriculum or objectives were deemed necessary, these administrative and logistical challenges did contribute to delays in student enrollment and program implementation. Addressing these issues required additional outreach, individualized support for students navigating the application process, and close collaboration with college admissions and support services to streamline procedures and ensure equitable access for all eligible participants. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Opportunities for training and professional development related to this project were multifaceted and targeted various groups involved. For project staff and instructors, professional development focused on curriculum development related to advanced agricultural technologies, innovative teaching methodologies for hybrid learning environments, and best practices for experiential learning and hands-on lab instruction. This ensured the effective delivery of the program's content. Students participating in the Ag Technology courses received direct training in cutting-edge agricultural technologies, computer skills, employability skills, and agriscience, equipping them for in-demand roles. Additionally, the establishment of the AgTEC Innovation Center and the engagement with industry partners provided opportunities for both students and faculty to participate in advanced technical research, gain hands-on experience with new technologies, and network with industry professionals. The Ag Tech event also served as a professional development opportunity for educators, industry members, and tech companies to exchange knowledge and best practices in the field. Finally, by working with the Employment Training Program and employers, the project facilitated opportunities for incumbent workers to upskill while maintaining employment, promoting career advancement within their current organizations. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dissemination of project results to communities of interest has been achieved through a variety of targeted outreach activities. The team actively engaged with packing houses, agricultural professionals, and tech companies, fostering direct communication about the project's goals, activities, and outcomes. This included discussions about internship opportunities, curriculum development, and the overall impact on the agricultural workforce. To reach community members, the project team utilized various channels, including local community centers, workforce development agencies, and direct engagement with potential students, focusing on raising awareness about the training opportunities available and the potential for career advancement in the agricultural technology sector. Collaboration with the Employment Training Program and other work-based learning initiatives further expanded the project's reach to individuals actively seeking employment and career development opportunities, also facilitating engagement with employers to promote the value of employee participation in the training programs. The Ag Tech event, which has already occurred, served as a significant platform for disseminating project results to a broad audience, with over 200 attendees and strong representation from local employers. This event showcased the program's successes, facilitated networking opportunities, and promoted interest in learning and careers in science, technology, and the humanities within the agricultural context. Furthermore, sharing student success stories, such as the individual who received a raise after completing the program, has proven to be a powerful tool for disseminating results and inspiring others to participate, highlighting the tangible benefits of the program and resonating with community members who may not typically be aware of research activities. These outreach activities were specifically designed to reach members of communities who are not usually aware of these research activities, with the goal of enhancing public understanding and increasing interest in learning and careers in science, technology, and the humanities 1 within the agricultural sector. By highlighting the practical applications of technology in agriculture and showcasing the potential for career advancement, the project aims to inspire a new generation of skilled workers and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive agricultural workforce What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, efforts will concentrate on several key areas to further accomplish the project's goals and objectives. Regarding Objective 1 (short-term certificate), we will focus on expanding course offerings based on the demonstrated success and student demand, potentially exploring new specializations within Ag Technology based on evolving industry needs. We will also continue to track student outcomes and gather data on employment and wage increases to further demonstrate the program's impact. For Objective 2 (Innovation Lab), the newly hired director will begin establishing partnerships with industry and developing research projects on the college farm. This will include securing necessary equipment and infrastructure for the lab and developing opportunities for student involvement in research activities. We will also begin promoting the lab to local growers and agricultural businesses to encourage collaboration and technology adoption. For Objective 3 (Ag Tech event and industry connections), we will analyze feedback from the successful event to plan future events and refine outreach strategies. We will also continue to foster relationships with packing houses and ag professionals to solidify internship pipelines for students. For Objective 4 (experiential learning), we will formalize partnerships with the Employment Training Program and other work-based learning programs to streamline student access to internships and work experience. We will also work with employers to develop structured on-the-job training opportunities and ensure that these experiences align with the curriculum. While all objectives have seen progress, the full realization of the Innovation Lab (Objective 2) and the establishment of long-term, formalized internship programs (Objective 3 and 4) will be a primary focus in the next reporting period. We will address any challenges encountered, such as securing necessary funding or equipment for the lab, through targeted grant applications and collaborative partnerships.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This project addresses the critical shortage of skilled labor and the lack of technically trained employees within the agricultural sector. By providing accessible training in technology, computer skills, and agriscience, the project aims to equip individuals with the skills necessary to fill these in-demand roles, thereby mitigating the labor shortage and improving the overall technical capacity of the agricultural workforce. Objective 1, the program successfully created and implemented short-term courses in Ag Technology, enabling numerous students to complete the coursework and gain valuable skills. The immediate impact of this training is evident in the stories of participants, such as one student who received a raise directly attributable to their participation in the program. This individual's success not only validates the program's effectiveness but also served as a powerful recruitment tool, encouraging other individuals within the community to enroll. The demonstrable success of these initial short-term courses has laid the groundwork for program expansion, allowing for greater reach and impact within the target community. Objective 2 Regarding Objective 2, substantial progress has been made with the hiring of an AgTEC Innovation Center Director. This key personnel addition will spearhead efforts to establish a robust research and technology development presence on campus, fostering collaboration with industry partners and other stakeholders. This development is crucial for providing students with invaluable opportunities to participate in advanced technical research within the field of agriculture, offering hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and contributing to the advancement of the industry. In pursuit of Objective 3, the team has actively engaged with the community, fostering valuable conversations with packing houses and agricultural professionals regarding potential internship opportunities for students. This outreach is crucial for bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience, providing students with practical skills and connections that will enhance their employability within the agricultural sector. For Objective 4, the team has taken proactive steps to promote the program by initiating discussions with the Employment Training Program and other work-based learning initiatives. This collaborative approach aims to maximize program visibility and accessibility within the target community. A key component of this effort involves engaging employers to facilitate employee participation in classes while maintaining their income, thereby removing a significant barrier to entry for working adults seeking to enhance their skills and advance their careers.
Publications
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Progress 11/15/22 to 11/14/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Target Audience reached during this period include working adults, single mothers, nonworking adults and former agricultural field workers. All students are Hispanic students. The group included in this second cohort of Ag Technology students is small however they are interested in increasing knowledge and skills in advanced technologies. Specifically, We have two students who are transplants from the LA area and looking for work. One individual had worked in health-care and left during the pandemic. The other is a single mother. Two individuals currently work in packing facilities and are interested in moving up in those areas hoping to learn about data management programs that will be beneficial to their work. Another student has been a farm worker since she was 13 and currently works for a farm labor contractor. She is interested again in data management related to labor/salary. These stories are common with our students who again are all of Hispanic descent. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The Ag Tech event was an opportunity for professional development for industry members, instructors and students. The panels included companies with advanced technology in waste water management, water telemetry, automated water management, automated vehicles, automation in packing facilities and advanced environmental monitoring for food safety. The event was free to the public. Additionally, with the partnership between eight colleges, instructors are recieving professtional development related to training adults and indivduals who have english as a second language. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Reedley College is now a member of a larger consortium of colleges who are working in Ag Technology and aligning curriculum so that individuals can be trained in the broader county and in fact will be trained in a three-county area, Fresno, Madera and Merced. The curriculum and work developed by Reedley College and supported through this grant has provided the baseline information and connections to tech company and growers to get a head start on the larger project. This small one school project has been leveraged to support 7 more colleges. The curriculum from this project has been provided to other colleges through meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the next reporting period we will work with CSU Fresno's Tech incubation center,Valley Vision,on how to begin our work creating an innovation center on the farm. We will also work on revising the certificate to include drone training. The program plans on connecting our regional certificate to our local certificate. Evenutally these two certificates will lead to a two year degree in ag systems mangagement.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
A DACUM was organized and facilitated in the previous year. It led to the curriculum and certificate that students are currently enrolled in. In the second quarter students connected with local producers who are utilizing advanced technology in their production practices. Additionally students participated in workshops with local agriculture support companies who work with advanced water technology and research. students learned from UCAN Research service researchers and water automation technicians. In the second quarter, Reedley College also held its second annual Ag Tech conference. 75 industry professionals and 20 students participated in the tech event. Panels at the event included, Water technology, Food safety advances and Field and Packing Automation Innovations. The Associate Chief Scientific Officer from Eurofins discussed innovations in Environmental Monitoring. The Vice President of strategy with Netafim discussed innovations in water management. A panel on water innovations included Biofiltro, which purifies water through vermiculture for wineries and other processing facilities that create waste water; WiseConn a water automation company from Chile; Dynamax, which uses telemetry to monitor water in plants; Eco2Mix which lowers pH in water using carbonic acid, which is safer than sulfuric acid, a compound that is widely used in the central valley; and finally Axiom Ag which utilizes biological materials in soil improving soil health and reducing water issues. The automation panel included producers who utilize automation in their operation; Kingman ag a company that retrofits tractors and makes them autonomous; TOMRA foods which manufactures automated sorters for packing facilities and a fully autonomous tractor manufacturer. The ag tech event also included a presentation from the California Farmworker Foundation on their work with farm-workers, colleges and growers. They target farm-workers and growers who need more advanced skill sets in their operation. The group helps identify skills and works with a community college to offer classes to farmworkers so that they can increase skills and move up in their career. We expanded educational opportunities in ag technology by helping to lead a grant appliation with the Economid Development Association to create ag tech courses and a certificate that is going to be utilized regionally. This will increase the number of indivduals who are pursuing an ag technology related certificate and create a pipeline into the Reedley College program.
Publications
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