About AgSTEM
Building the Next Generation of Agriculture and Food Technology Leaders
AgSTEM is an integrated educational initiative designed to connect students with the technologies, skills, and career pathways shaping the future of agriculture and food systems. Through hands-on learning, project-based modules, instructional resources, and outreach activities, the program helps students experience how science, engineering, and technology are applied to real-world agricultural and food industry challenges.
Why AgSTEM Was Created
Agriculture is central to California’s Central Valley, but the industry is rapidly changing. Modern farms and food systems increasingly rely on sensors, drones, automation, data analytics, advanced machinery, food safety technologies, and digital decision-making tools. As these technologies become more common, students need opportunities to develop the technical and problem-solving skills required for future careers.
AgSTEM was created to bridge this gap by bringing hands-on, technology-rich learning experiences into classrooms, outreach programs, and day camps. The program introduces students to practical tools and real applications so they can better understand the future of agriculture, food science, engineering, and technology.
Core Focus
AgSTEM focuses on practical learning experiences that help students gain confidence with modern agricultural and food technologies.
Hands-on learning
Project-based modules
Career exploration
Technology-driven education
Mission, Vision, and Purpose
Our Mission
To provide students with hands-on educational experiences that build digital, technical, and problem-solving skills for the future of agriculture and food systems.
Our Vision
To inspire a new generation of skilled students who are prepared to use science, engineering, and technology to solve real challenges in agriculture and food production.
Our Purpose
To connect classroom learning with real-world technologies, helping students explore meaningful academic and career pathways in agriculture, food science, and engineering.
An Educational Pathway from Exploration to Career
AgSTEM supports students across multiple stages of learning, from early exposure and career exploration to technical training, university education, and professional development.
K–12
Career exploration and STEM exposure
Community College
Technical skills and hands-on learning
University
Engineering and professional preparation
Future Careers
Agriculture, food science, and technology pathways
Project Goals
Inspire Students
Attract students to agriculture and food industry careers by showing how modern technologies are transforming the field.
Support Educators
Provide educators with instructional materials, hands-on activities, and authentic career tools for teaching future workforce skills.
Strengthen Pathways
Encourage students to continue from high school to community college, university, and graduate-level education.
What Makes AgSTEM Different?
AgSTEM is not only about learning concepts. It is about experiencing how technology is used in real agricultural and food industry settings.
Students learn by doing, testing, observing, measuring, and solving problems through activities connected to real career skills.
Key Features
- Project-based AgSTEM learning modules
- Hands-on lab kits for classroom and outreach use
- Guided instructional videos and learning materials
- Day camps focused on high-tech agriculture and food science
- Resources for students, educators, families, and partner institutions
A Collaborative Program
AgSTEM is a collaborative educational program developed by the University of California (Merced), Coalinga College, and Lakeland University. Designed, implemented, and evaluated over three years, the program connects university research, community college education, outreach activities, and hands-on learning to create educational resources that support students and educators beyond a single classroom.
By combining research expertise, teaching experience, and community engagement, AgSTEM provides students with opportunities to explore emerging technologies and envision future careers in agriculture, food science, engineering, and related technical fields.
