Merced College’s new Agricultural Systems certificate program has received national attention, recently being featured in a national CBS News segment highlighting its innovative approach to career education.
The program, which uses a competency-based education (CBE) model, allows students to progress at their own pace by demonstrating mastery in specific skills, preparing them for in-demand jobs in the agricultural industry.
The CBS News story profiled Carlos Marquez, a student at Merced College and operations manager at Live Oak Farms in Le Grand. Marquez, who started as a day laborer at the farm ten years ago, has worked his way up through hands-on experience and is now earning formal credentials through the college’s CBE program.
Merced College President Chris Vitelli also appeared in the CBS segment, emphasizing the impact of the program in providing flexible, skills-based education to meet workforce needs.
The Ag Systems certificate program is part of a broader initiative at Merced College to provide more accessible, workforce-aligned training for students seeking careers in agriculture. By integrating practical skills with flexible learning options, the program aims to support both students looking to enter the field and professionals looking to advance their careers.
To watch the full CBS News feature, visit https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vocational-college-trade-school-merced/. The program was also featured in the Los Angeles Times in September and earned an “Innovation of the Year” award from the League for Innovation in the Community College last year.
Learn more about the program here.