AgSTEM: Hands-on Learning for the Future of Agriculture and Food Technology
Preparing students for the next generation of agricultural and food industry careers through project-based learning, advanced technologies, hands-on kits, and real-world STEM experiences.
AgSTEM is an integrated educational program developed by UC Merced, Coalinga College, and Lakeland University to inspire and train students for high-tech careers in agriculture, food science, engineering, and digital technology. The program connects classroom learning with real-world applications through hands-on lab kits, guided instructional videos, outreach activities, and day camps.
8 AgSTEM Kits
Project-based hands-on modules for agriculture, food science, and technology education.
20 Videos
Guided educational videos demonstrating real-world applications of advanced technologies.
25 Day Camps
Interactive learning experiences for K–12, high school, and community college students.
Resource Hub
A clearinghouse for instructional guides, kit-building resources, videos, and learning materials.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create an educational pathway that helps students build the digital, technical, and problem-solving skills needed for the future of agriculture and food systems. Through hands-on AgSTEM modules, students gain exposure to technologies such as sensors, drones, image processing, automation, precision agriculture, food safety tools, and post-harvest technologies.
Why AgSTEM Matters
Agriculture and food production are entering a new digital era. Farms and food systems increasingly depend on mobile devices, sensors, data collection, automation, robotics, drones, and analytics. AgSTEM helps prepare students for this transformation by connecting STEM education with practical, real-world challenges in California’s Central Valley and beyond.
Explore Our Technology Areas
AgSTEM connects students with the future of agriculture and food technology through hands-on modules, lab kits, videos, outreach activities, and day camps. Students explore tools such as drones, sensors, automation, smart irrigation, food safety, and post-harvest technologies while building practical skills and discovering career pathways in agriculture, food science, and engineering.
AgSTEM Day Camps
AgSTEM Day Camps give students the opportunity to experience high-tech agriculture and food science through interactive, hands-on activities. Participants work with real-world tools, explore agricultural career pathways, and learn how engineers, technicians, and scientists solve practical challenges in food and agriculture.
WHCC Ag-Tech Day Camps
Designed for grades 8–12, these camps introduce students to agricultural technologies and STEM concepts through practical activities.
UC Merced Advanced Day Camps
Designed for high school and community college students, these camps focus on engineering, design, robotics, precision agriculture, and post-harvest technologies.
Who We Serve
AgSTEM is designed for students, educators, families, and institutions interested in the future of agriculture and food technology. The program especially supports students from Central Valley communities and encourages participation from Hispanic/Latinx students, underrepresented minorities, female students, and first-generation college students.
A Collaboration Between Education, Research, and Community
AgSTEM is developed through a partnership among the University of California (Merced), Coalinga College, and Lakeland University. The program brings together university research, community college education, and K–12 outreach to strengthen agricultural technology learning and prepare the next generation of students for careers in agriculture, food systems, and STEM-related fields.
Ready to Explore the Future of Agriculture?
Discover hands-on AgSTEM kits, educational videos, day camp opportunities, and resources designed to inspire the next generation of agricultural and food technology leaders.
