Farmworker Education and Advancement Program

The program provides farmworkers the opportunity to acquire technical agricultural education in Spanish with integrated English terminology and applied math. It is designed to assist farmworkers in building their knowledge, self-confidence and skills to better understand the science behind agricultural practices and their contributions to operations.

This program is designed to increase the professional abilities of farmworkers through greater understanding of:

·       Horticultural science

·       Current production technology

·       The English language and communication skills

·       Mathematics

·       Technology

·       Personnel Management

Students should have basic English conversational skills and some ability to read and write in Spanish. Regular attendance is a necessity; therefore employer must support employee in attending all the classes. Employee needs to be committed to attending all classes to obtain maximum benefits and to complete the program.

Courses Offered:

Basic Berry Horticulture

One eight hour day for 10 weeks (80 hours of instruction). This course will introduce individuals to berry production practices. Students will be introduced to plant physiology, plant production, soil concepts, irrigation, pest management, food safety practices, personnel management, compliance and business operation practices. Ag-technical instruction is in Spanish with phonics, reading, basic writing, listening comprehension, communication and basic mathematics being integrated into course topics in English through contextualized learning. Certificate of proficiency is issued after course completion. Employer is responsible for paying a material and supply fee for students. Course is offered during low berry production time.

Advanced Berry Horticulture

Student must have completed level one. One eight hour day for 10 weeks (80 hours of instruction). This course will introduce individuals to advanced berry production practices. Similar to level one horticulture but more in-depth. Higher levels of English and Math. Higher levels of ag-technical content with increased vocabulary. Certificate of proficiency is issued after course completion. Employer is responsible for paying a material and supply fee for students. Course is offered during low berry production time.

Benefits for Employers and Employees:

Employer	Employee
Productive and knowledgeable employees	Increases workplace satisfaction
Reduction in costly mistakes	Promotional opportunities within the company
Employees with a better understanding of the industry	Successful employees become role models to others
Employees with improved communication skills	Enhances personal and professional skills
Improves efficiency in operations	Improves communication skills
Increases employee morale	Increases civic engagement

Program Outcomes

·       Bridge employers and employees

·       Help bridge the communication gap between worker and management

·       Increase the professional abilities of existing agricultural employees

·       Expand understanding of horticultural science and current production technology

·       Improve English language and communication skills, math and computer skills

·       Increase management and supervisory skills

·       Yield a knowledgeable, skilled, and dedicated workforce

·       Improve efficiency, fewer errors, boosted employee morale

·       Promote educational advancement of farmworkers