Building 2+2+2 Pathways in Sustainable Agriculture Education and Careers.

Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) is one of the premier community colleges in California with a highly recognized agricultural education program. Students receive hands-on training in sustainable agriculture at its 365-acre Shone Farm located in scenic Russian River valley. SRJC is committed to promoting access and success of students interested in pursuing careers in sustainable agriculture, viticulture, wine education, animal sciences and agribusiness. A recently funded NSF grant help build 2+2+2 program to provide a seamless pathway for students to advance from local area high schools to SRJC and transfer to 4-year programs at California State University and University of California system. Students also receive certificates in sustainable agriculture and can practice farming on their own and/or work in local area farms. A 2-week Summer Academy provides valuable hands-on exposure to high school students interested in pursuing studies in sustainable agriculture. Student recruitment, retention and success have increased due to better outreach, dedicated counseling and mentoring. Internship opportunities at local area farms have served as a valuable experience to students pursuing a career in agriculture. Through a recently completed USDA-funded Beginning Farmers and Ranchers project, SRJC trained over 70 young farmers and ranchers, many of whom have started their own farming ventures.