Washington’s Agriculture Center of Excellence, housed at Walla Walla Community College, has a sharp focus on fostering connections between ag and natural resource instructors, industry professionals and students. Instructor/Industry networking is essential in the effort to educate students with both the science background and skills needed to be successful in Ag.

In addition to industry professionals voicing their needs, it is also crucial that they be able to contact instructors both about students they are considering hiring, and in looking for qualified employees. The Ag Center is a way to make this happen, regardless of which of these three parties you belong to. The job board, and constant contact with educators, can serve as a tool for industry to find skilled, educated graduates ready to work in the ag and natural resource fields. Planning and hosting events like our annual Precision Ag Conference and FFA competitions allows us to stay up-to-date with both technology and those putting it to use.

Our team focuses not only on connections, but specifically on those that arise in a 2-year college setting. Within this setting, we are a resource to promote agriculture and natural resource education, create and share curricula, and strengthen degree programs. While we encourage articulation agreements between 2 and 4 year institutions, we feel that a 2-year college setting is essential for the success of many students.

What can our team at the Agriculture Center do for you? Housed in Washington State, it may seem that we are limited. When it comes to industry contacts, we understand the need to not be regionally restricted. Our attention is on Washington schools, and on assisting students in finding employment where they can really put their skill to use; anywhere and everywhere. Also, we can serve as a model of the connection between industry and education – essential to the success of the students and their entry into the workforce.