'Ag Advisory' keeps education and industry in sync

Carlos Guerrero

June 15

Industry and academic representatives came together recently when Woodland Community College hosted an "Ag Advisory."

According to Alena Anaberg, the meeting offered attendees an opportunity to learn about programs offered and offer feedback about "what is needed in the field."

Anaberg said such advisories help keep community college programming current with preparing students to be professionals in their respective fields.

Advisories are held at different intervals depending on the program, usually at least annually in career technical education.

Anaberg serves Woodland Community and other area colleges, including Cosumnes River College, which held a "Construction Advisory."

At Consumes, students are constructing "tiny homes," giving them experience not just in building but in electrical work, plumbing, and air conditioning and heating.

Students even go to actual job sites and work around seven hours a day contributing their skills with organizations like Habitat for Humanity so they can put their teaching into practice.

The Consumnes program was developed by Department Chairman Ryan Connally. Attendees included the city of Sacramento, representatives from Capitol Impact, industry associations and education outreach professionals.

Locally, Woodland Community College shared its ag-focused Dual Enrollment program, the SEED Academy, which just had its first set of graduates.

Consumnes College Department Chairman Ryan Connally, center, describes how students at Consumnes are building tiny homes as part of a 'Construction Advisory,' which teaches students the various aspects of building. (Courtesy)

"Students began their first course four years ago and are graduating high school with college credit," Anaberg reported.

Ag Program Professor Candice Stafford-Banks, who has been at Woodland College since 2017, also highlighted a partnership with UC Davis in welding/fabrication to advisory committee members who helped advise on course sequencing for degrees and certificates.

Interim Vice President of Instruction Dr. Sandy Fowler took note of the insights long time - and former Woodland HS Ag Advisor - Rich Engel and others had around offerings.

Anberg also shared employment data in relevant industry sectors from the Centers of Excellence, information that helps programs and college career services teams better understand workforce opportunities for their students.

Susana Barba, a current Woodland College student, was highlighted having prior earned her GED at Colusa County Adult Education before registering at WCC's Colusa Campus and being hired on the school farm at Woodland's campus.

Barba will participate in an internship with the USDA this summer "a testament to community and industry partnerships, Susana's perseverance, and the robust offerings with WCC's Agriculture programs," Anaberg stated.