Career Crossroads with Agriculture in Orange County

Orange County faces a critical shortage of skilled workers in the Agriculture, Water & Environmental Technologies sector, with over 2,000 job openings and projected job growth, yet only a small percentage of students—particularly underserved groups—are accessing career exploration or completing CTE pathways in this field. Systemic barriers such as rigid scheduling and limited access to hands-on learning disproportionately impact homeless, migrant, foster, military, and English learner students, resulting in significant equity gaps. To address this, OC Pathways, in collaboration with regional community colleges and industry partners, will establish an interdisciplinary Agriculture Hub focused on sustainable agriculture, culinary arts, business, and engineering. Supported by K12 SWP funds, the initiative will expand CTE course offerings, work-based learning, and dual enrollment, while providing tailored support services to boost underserved student participation by at least 10–15%. This project not only aims to build a more equitable and inclusive pipeline into high-demand careers but also aligns with regional workforce needs and state career education goals.

The OC Pathways Agriculture Hub initiative, funded by K12 SWP, aims to provide high-impact college and career exploration opportunities for 500 high school students annually—particularly those who are underserved or economically disadvantaged—through an interdisciplinary, hands-on learning environment integrating agriculture, business, engineering, energy, and hospitality. Key project activities include the development of a self-sustaining, student-led enterprise; climate-smart sustainability workshops; dual-enrollment alignment with community colleges; and a broad range of work-based learning experiences. These efforts are designed to boost CTE engagement, increase participation in dual enrollment by 10%, and improve access to high-wage, high-skill careers. Industry and educational partners will collaborate to offer mentoring, field trips, and real-world applications, while schools provide academic and socioemotional support tailored to the needs of disproportionately impacted students. The initiative’s return on investment lies in increased student success in CTE pathways, certifications, and postsecondary transitions, ultimately addressing regional workforce gaps while promoting equity and sustainability.