In summer 2026, Sampson Community College (SCC) will once again welcome high school students to campus for its Southeastern Education and Economic Development (SEED) Agriculture Pre-Apprenticeship Academy – offering two pathways: Agriculture & Advanced Manufacturing. SEED is an essential learning opportunity for high school students planning to pursue an agricultural career in the future. 

The SEED academies allow high school students or recent graduates interested in maintenance, mechatronics, engineering and agriculture to explore these fields through classroom instruction and hands-on experiences, all while earning tuition-free college credit and receiving pay for internship work. Adding Advancing Manufacturing as a new pathway in 2026, SCC’s SEED hopes to bridge the gap between education and employment.

“Students who are curious about agriculture, leadership, business, animal science, or related careers are strongly encouraged to apply. SEED provides an immersive experience that helps students clarify their goals, develop professional skills, and take meaningful steps toward their future,” explained Department Chair of Agribusiness and Animal Science Technology Chris Stroud in a press release. 

Last year, SCC graduated 12 juniors and seniors from SEED’s eight-week Agriculture academy. The students engaged in authentic learning experiences, weekly field trips to local businesses, certification tests and career exploration opportunities while also earning up to 15 college credits and serving as youth apprentices ($15 hr) for 25-28 hours per week.

Numerous community and industry partners supported the SEED Agriculture Academy in 2025, providing students with authentic learning experiences and hands-on training throughout the summer: Big Blue Store of Clinton, Clinton Research Station, Dr. Jason Davis, Dr. Laurie Hamilton, Hog Slat, Inc., Hubbs Farm NC, Lafayette Farms, Mount Olive Pickle Company, NC Cooperative Extension – Sampson County, North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE), North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Prestage Farms, Sampson County Animal Shelter, Smithfield Foods, Southeastern Education & Economic Development (SEED), Steve Troxler Agricultural Sciences Center, Tony Moore Farming Company and the University of Mount Olive – Kornegay Student Farm.

Information Sessions for 2026 are being offered on Feb. 5 and Feb. 9, 2026. Student(s) and their parent(s) must attend an information session before they are accepted into an academy. The SEED Academy, both Agriculture and Advanced Manufacturing options, are open to NC high school students and recent graduates (Class of 2026), 16 or older by May 20, 2026. The deadline to apply is February 14, 2026.

“As SEED moves into its second year, we are excited to build on that momentum by expanding industry connections, refining the curriculum based on student feedback, and strengthening the college and career alignment of the academy. The program continues to offer students a unique opportunity to explore agriculture as a modern, innovative, and rewarding field while earning valuable experience that supports both workforce and transfer pathways,” added Stroud in a press release. 

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