Beginning in Summer 2025, Sampson Community College (SCC) will host an inaugural Southeastern Education and Economic Development (SEED) Agriculture Pre-Apprenticeship Academy on campus. The program is an essential learning opportunity for high school students planning to pursue an agricultural career in the future.

Created through the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) and sponsored by Smithfield Foods, SEED is a program focused on growing the advanced manufacturing and agriculture workforce through work-based learning and apprenticeships. Initially focusing on Industrial Systems and Mechatronics, the SEED program expanded to offer an Agriculture Academy at two NC Community Colleges in 2025, SCC being one of them.

The eight-week academy consists of three classes, paid for by the SEED grant and SCC’s Career & College Promise (CCP) program. Students will receive classroom instruction led by industry professionals, hands-on learning experiences, weekly field trips to local businesses, career exploration opportunities, stipends to assist with travel and supplies costs and up to nine college credits that can be applied towards an Agriculture Exploratory Certification and transferred to any Agricultural Apprenticeship pathway following graduation.

In addition, program students will also serve as youth apprentices in agriculture positions 25-28 hours per week– earning up to $15/hr while working and in class.

Last year, SEED graduated 35 students from seven NC counties. Local companies such as: Smithfield, Franklin Baking Company, West Pharmaceutical Services, Prolec GE Waukesha, Asterra Labs, Mount Olive Pickle Company, Masterbrand and YAMCO/Ham Produce were involved in student growth through field trips, demonstrations, hands-on learning and intern assignments. According to the NCBCE, 2024 served as a stepping-stone for the program expansions to come.

Participating colleges will “hire” up to 12 SEED participants who are current high school juniors or seniors. Applicants must also be at least 16 years of age on or before May 21, 2025 and meet the CCP requirements specified by SCC to be eligible.

For more information about the SEED Agriculture Pre-Apprenticeship Academy at SCC, visit ncbce.org/seed or contact Barney Grady & Chris Stroud at bgrady@sampsoncc.edu & lstroud@sampsoncc.edu.