What is the STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture Program?

The STEM Careers Pathways in Agriculture program immerses high school students in the diverse world of agriculture, offering them hands-on experience in agronomy, technology, and engineering through classroom labs and real-world exposure during field trips. Students explore career opportunities, align their strengths with industry roles, and gain insights into relevant degrees and certifications. By the program's end, they will have discovered a variety of career options, connected with industry professionals, and learned about educational pathways, leaving the program ready to pursue their future in agriculture.

2025/26 Partner Farms

Brokaw Nursery

Field Trip Description:
Brokaw Nursery specializes in growing high-quality avocado trees, with a focus on advanced horticultural practices. During the STEM field trip, students will learn about the avocado growing process, including grafting techniques and propagation systems used to cultivate healthy, productive trees.
Bonipak Produce

Field Trip Description:
Experience the inner workings of Bonipak Produce, a large-scale operation renowned for its innovative agricultural practices. During the field trip, students will explore the entire Seed to Sale process, gaining insights into planting, harvesting, cooling, and shipping.
Plantel Nurseries

Field Trip Description:
Plantel Nurseries is a leading producer of plant seedlings. During the STEM field trip, students will explore the seeding process and plant genetics, tour the germination chamber and nursery growing areas, and learn about irrigation systems.
Reiter Affiliated Companies

Field Trip Description:
Explore the precision and innovation involved in cultivating premium-quality berries at Reiter Affiliated Companies. Students will have the opportunity to tour a ranch to learn about their growing process or engage with a panel of agricultural industry professionals, hearing inspiring stories about their career journeys.
Driscoll's

Field Trip Description:
Driscoll's specializes in growing berries year-round, with a strong commitment to sustainable farming practices and innovative breeding techniques. During the STEM field trip, students will explore substrate moisture assessment techniques, participate in a flavor-testing session, and gain valuable insights into the company's crop breeding program.
Las Cumbres Ranch

Field Trip Description:
Las Cumbres Ranch is dedicated to sustainable cattle ranching and regenerative agriculture practices. During the STEM field trip, students will explore the intricacies of cattle management, soil health, and sustainable grazing techniques that contribute to the ranch's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Santa Barbara Blueberries

Field Trip Description:
Santa Barbara Blueberries, a nationally acclaimed UPick berry farm, embraces diverse agroecology practices. During the STEM field trip, students will participate in hands-on activities, learning about sustainable farming techniques and the dynamic relationship between plants and soil biology, all while exploring the farm's innovative strategies in food systems and land stewardship.
McGrath Family Farm

Field Trip Description:
McGrath Family Farm is a certified organic farm dedicated to sustainable agriculture and soil health. During the STEM field trip, students will explore the farm’s diverse crop production, learn about organic farming practices, and discover how regenerative methods support healthy ecosystems. Activities may include hands-on experiences in planting, harvesting, or composting, giving students a firsthand look at how organic food is grown from seed to market
Gills Onions

Field Trip Description:
Gills Onions is one of the largest fresh-cut onion processing facilities in the nation, known for its innovative food safety and sustainability practices. During the STEM field trip, students will tour the production plant to see how onions are cleaned, sliced, and packaged for distribution. They will also learn about cutting-edge waste-to-energy systems that convert onion byproducts into renewable energy, showcasing how technology and agriculture work together to reduce environmental impact.
Babé Farms

Field Trip Description:
Babe Farms is a premier grower of specialty vegetables, celebrated for its colorful, high-quality produce. During the STEM field trip, students will explore the farm’s fields and learn about planting, harvesting, and post-harvest handling practices.
Rancho Laguna Farms

Field Trip Description:
Rancho Laguna Farm is known for its fresh, sustainably grown produce and strong commitment to community-supported agriculture. During the STEM field trip, students will tour the farm’s fields, learning about crop cultivation, soil management, and irrigation practices.
Become a Field Trip Partner

We’re always looking to expand our network of partners to help grow our reach, enrich our STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture program, and provide unforgettable field trip experiences for students.
If you’re interested in partnering with us, we’d love to hear from you. Please email camille@seeag.org for more information.

Program Structure Overview

Part 1: Career Guidance Workshop

Students begin the STEM program by uncovering their strengths through the Holland Code (RIASEC) personality test. They then explore agricultural careers aligned with their interests, including job opportunities, relevant degrees, and high school courses. The workshop is designed to help students see how their unique traits align with various career paths in agriculture.
Part 2: STEM-Based Lab

During this one-hour lab, students engage in hands-on activities in agronomy, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Examples include constructing a hydroponics system or setting up a soil health monitoring lab.
Part 3: Field Trip

Upon completion of the STEM Lab, students have the opportunity to tour a diverse range of local agricultural facilities, providing them with a firsthand look at the various career opportunities within the industry and a glimpse into the daily lives of agricultural professionals.

Program Mission

The STEM Careers Pathways in Agriculture program aims to educate, inspire, and empower high school students to explore and pursue diverse career pathways in agriculture, contributing to the local economy and community.

schedule a STEM PROGRAM TODAY

COMING SOON: Check out SEEAG’s new Fields of Innovation in Agriculture Research Competition

Held twice a year, this 6-week online research competition invites 11th and 12th grade students to tackle real-world agricultural issues and present innovative, STEM-based solutions. Students gain deeper knowledge, build career readiness, and showcase their ideas to industry leaders.

Winning participants receive scholarships to support their future education in agriculture or related fields, and finalists present their work at a local college before a panel of ag professionals.

2026 Competition dates coming soon! Interested in participating? Email camille@seeag.org for details.