The Stem is g.r.e.a.t. Initiative

G.R.E.A.T. - Girls Representing and Entering Agriculture Today

About the program

The STEM is GREAT 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.

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 & Sustainability in Agriculture (December 2022 – April 2023)

Seminar 3 -Technology & the Future of Agriculture (August 2023 – December 2023)

Seminar 4 - The Agriculture Economy (December 2023 – April 2024)

PART 2

Students will tour various operations of local specialty crop producers and meet with local professionals in the field. Currently our partners include:

• Seminar 1: Reiter Affiliated Companies/ Driscoll’s

• Seminar 2: Gills Onions

• Seminar 3: Good Farms

• Seminar 4: TBD