What is the S.T.E.M. is G.R.E.A.T. Initiative?
G.R.E.A.T. - GIRLS REPRESENTING AND ENTERING AGRICULTURE TODAY
The STEM is G.R.E.A.T. Initiative aims to provide agricultural opportunities for underrepresented high school students within Ventura County entering the STEM field, especially women of color. This FREE 2-part education program includes 4 seminars covering each one of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) principles through an in-class workshop at local high schools and a field trip to a farm. Students will learn about a variety of agricultural careers and will meet local professionals working in the local specialty crop production sector. Participants will also receive a resource guide with scholarships, internships and career opportunities.
Program Mission
Empowering underrepresented students, especially women of color, to obtain foundational knowledge and develop skills they will carry with them as they work to become the next generation of agricultural professionals.
Part 1
This includes an in-class workshop conducted at Ventura County high schools. Through a 4-part seminar series, students will gain foundational knowledge and skills in the following:
SEMINAR 1 - Agronomic Sciences: The Foundation of Farming (August 2022 - November 2022)
SEMINAR 2 - Engineering and Sustainability in Agriculture (December 2022 - April 2023)
SEMINAR 3 - Technology and the Future of Agriculture (September 2023 - December 2023)
SEMINAR 4 - The Agricultural Economy (December 2023 - April 2024)
Part 2
Students will tour various operations of local specialty crop producers and meet with lcoal professionals in the field. Our current partners include:
SEMINAR 1 - Reiter Affiliated Companies / Driscoll’s
SEMINAR 2 - Gills Onions
SEMINAR 3 - Good Farms
SEMINAR 4 - TBD
WHAT TO EXPECT?
SEMINAR 4 -The Agricultural Economy (December 2023 – April 2024)
Students will engage in a variety of interactive activities focused on the fundamentals of Agricultural Economy. Designed to ignite curiosity and foster a passion for sustainable farming practices, our immersive experiences provide students with invaluable insights into the economic dynamics shaping our agricultural landscape.
* Students can attend up to two seminars.
View Seminar 1 Presentation Here
