Cultivating the Future
Redefining ag education through innovation, collaboration, and regional leadership.
Cultivating the Future
Redefining ag education through innovation, collaboration, and regional leadership.
Cultivating the Future
Redefining ag education through innovation, collaboration, and regional leadership.
AgTEC Workforce Initiative Student Outcomes
155
Students enrolled in the ag systems certificate program at Merced College
645
Competencies mastered at Merced College
90%
First-time college students
AgTEC Workforce Initiative Employment Outcomes
50+
Employer partners engaged in curriculum design, validation, and applied learning
$25/hr
Average entry wage for graduates
A Year of Ag Innovation at Merced College
This year, Merced College emerged as a leader in agricultural innovation, securing major investments and breaking ground on facilities that will shape the future of the industry. Through strong partnerships and hands-on learning, we’re preparing students for high-demand careers while strengthening the Central Valley economy.
January 2025
Merced College Awarded $1.5M to Transform Agricultural Education with Cutting-Edge Technology and Workforce Development
Growing Together
Expanding hands-on learning and workforce training.
The AgTEC Innovation Center, opening in late 2026, represents a major investment in the future of agriculture and workforce education at Merced College. Designed to support hands-on learning, industry collaboration, and applied research, the center will prepare students for high-demand careers while serving as a hub for innovation that benefits the Central Valley.
New Alliance is driving regional collaboration and innovation.
Through the Merced AgTech Alliance, Merced College is working alongside partners including UC Merced, the Community Foundation of Merced County, and The Reservoir to advance agricultural technology and workforce development. Together, we are aligning education, research, and industry needs to create new opportunities for students, support local businesses, and drive economic growth across the region.
In the News
Los Angeles Times
Central Valley effort aims to train farmworkers to master the technology replacing fieldwork
Governor's Office
California awards $80 million to drive economic growth and spur job creation across the state
