News

A new initiative promises to bring the San Joaquin Valley's agriculture industry into the future, with creative and innovative advancements in agricultural technology, engineering, and workforce training and education.

Today the White House announced that the F3 initiative will receive $65 million for a new agriculture technician workforce, among other major projects benefiting the Central Valley ag industry.

As the local hospitality industry continues to grow, Merced College is once again helping to prepare students for great jobs in hotels, restaurants and more.

Parents who take summer classes at Merced College can now get free enrollment for their child in the popular College for Kids summer program, which offers fun learning opportunities in a safe setting for children from 2nd through 8th grade.

More than 1,000 local students are eligible to cross the stage at Merced College's graduation ceremony later this month, and a full crowd of family members, friends and supporters are expected to fill Stadium '76 for the first traditional graduation since 2019.

Merced College is making it easier than ever for working professionals to go back to school, earn a degree and make new strides in their lives and careers.

From customer service and conflict resolution to crafting cocktails, local students can learn all the skills they need for jobs in hotels, restaurants and more through Merced College's Hospitality Career Academy. The free, 12-week program kicks off with an event at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Mainzer in downtown Merced.

Merced College invites all Los Banos and Dos Palos residents, along with supporters from throughout Merced County, to the Los Banos Campus's 50th Anniversary Celebration on Nov. 5.

The annual State of the College event at Merced College returns next month for the first time since 2019, with both an in-person event at the college's amphitheater and a virtual option for individuals and groups to watch via livestream.

Longtime Merced County law enforcement veteran Jeffrey Horn is the new police chief at Merced College, effective Sept. 1.Horn brings over 24 years of experience to his new position, having worked most recently with the Merced Police Department. In his role as the administration sergeant, Horn's duties included overseeing all department training, recruiting, hiring and background checks, and investigating claims of officer misconduct. He will continue to serve as the department's rangemaster and oversee firearms training.