The Woodland Joint Unified School District and Woodland Community College are now signing up high school students for the SEED Academy, a free program that helps students get agriculture industry experience while earning college credit.
The academy is a partnership between WJUSD and WCC to offer a pathway to higher education focused on agriculture, plant science, and environmental horticulture that includes a series of college courses taught right at Pioneer and Woodland high schools during regular school hours.
"This is one of many great programs that we started here at WJUSD to prepare our students for a successful future," said Woodland Superintendent Elodia Ortega-Lampkin. "Whether our students go straight to college or into a career, they have many options to choose from, and we are here to support them every step of the way."
Beginning in 9th grade, students can join the SEED Academy and build their knowledge and skills in agriculture while receiving college course credits. By the time a WJUSD student graduates high school, they could already have at least eight college courses, saving valuable time and money after high school. Students can also join the SEED Academy in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade when space is available.
"We are very excited to partner with WJUSD on this incredible opportunity for high school students," said Michael Minnick, director of special programs at Woodland Community College. "Students are taking challenging courses, getting real-world experience, and getting a jump start on college while still in high school."
The free academy also includes guest speakers, site visits, field trips, job shadowing and internships.
"The SEED courses are a fun and engaging way to learn about agriculture and the world around you," said Whitney Leonardo, an agriculture and SEED Academy instructor at Pioneer High School. "We love to incorporate real life into our lessons to tackle situations that you will be presented with in your future. We enjoy working with local industries to build our skills needed to help serve the community."
Yuliza Chavez, a sophomore at Pioneer High School and SEED Academy student, shared that the academy is a great opportunity for students to take advantage of.
"The SEED Academy is an awesome opportunity to immerse yourself in the agriculture industry," Chavez said. "We learn so much about the many aspects of agriculture with a kind, family classroom feeling. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn and grow as a high school student while earning college credit. I recommend this marvelous program to all. Even if you don't necessarily see yourself in this specific industry, it does not hurt to learn. You may even change your mind."
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