DELANO, CA - The Wonderful Company is celebrating the next generation of our industry’s leaders! This past weekend, Lynda and Stewart Resnick graduated the inaugural class of the Wonderful Agriculture Career Prep program (Ag Prep) at a special event held at Wonderful College Prep Academy in Delano, California.
“Our Ag Prep graduates are the pioneers of a new way to look at high school and college education,” said Lynda Resnick, Vice Chair and Co-Owner. “These kids are living, breathing inspirations of what’s possible when smart kids are given a fair and equal opportunity.”
This year, 90 students graduated and received an associate of science degree along with their high school diploma, with over 300 family, friends, and community members in attendance. Many of this year’s graduates are the first in their families to go to college and will be attending four-year universities this fall, with one third of the students pursuing studies in ag business or plant science.
Currently, over 1,000 students across seven high schools are enrolled in the Ag Prep program. Along with their high school curriculum, enrolled students earn college credit and take courses conducted by college professors; complete an internship related to agricultural technology, plant science, business management, or other career opportunities in our industry; and engage in real-world work immersion experiences at The Wonderful Company and other local ag businesses.
According to a press release, Ag Prep is transforming secondary education in the Central Valley into a personally relevant, wholly engaging experience for all levels of students—exposing them to previously unimagined college and career opportunities.
Congratulations to this year’s graduates! For more news related to the up-and-coming generation of produce leaders, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.