Inspiring Youth to Explore, Lead & Thrive in Agriculture & Sustainability.
The FARMS Program (Farming, Agriculture, and Resource Management for Sustainability) is a multi-tiered, experiential education initiative designed to inspire and prepare high school students for careers in agriculture, environmental science, and related fields.
Students participate in a series of immersive field days hosted by local farms, conservation agencies, ag businesses, colleges, and research institutions. These hands-on experiences introduce them to a wide range of career pathways, spanning food production, climate resilience, ag technology, natural resources, and sustainability. In addition to career exploration, students gain essential leadership and workforce readiness skills through activities like public speaking, resume workshops, mock interviews, and job shadows.
The program operates across five key regions in California—Sacramento Valley, North State, Central Valley, Monterey Bay, and Kern, serving students from 14 counties, including Sacramento, Yolo, Colusa, Glenn, Tehama, Butte, Merced, Madera, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Kern, Monterey, and Santa Cruz. Each regional cohort is tailored to reflect the unique agricultural landscape and community needs of its area, ensuring students gain relevant, localized insight into both challenges and opportunities within the industry.
By equipping students with real-world knowledge, hands-on training, and meaningful connections, the FARMS Program not only prepares youth for future careers but also helps them become informed, empowered changemakers who contribute to the long-term health and resilience of their communities.
Get Involved
FARMS can’t reach its potential without the support of teachers, program partners, alumni, and funders. Help us take youth to the next level by getting involved. For questions and information, contact Mindy Cunha at mindy@landbasedlearning.org.
Farms Leadership
FARMS Leadership is the entry point into the program and introduces high school students to careers in agriculture and environmental science. Students from 4–5 regional high schools form a cohort and participate in a kick-off event and at least six immersive field days throughout the school year. These hands-on experiences take place at farms, ag businesses, conservation sites, and colleges, where students explore a wide range of careers and connect with industry professionals.
In addition to building leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, each school designs and completes a Community Action Project, a student-led project that addresses a local environmental or agricultural issue. These projects empower students to apply what they’ve learned, make a tangible impact in their communities, and develop their voice as young leaders.
Through FARMS Leadership, students gain awareness, purpose, and a sense of belonging while exploring meaningful pathways to post-secondary education and careers that make a difference.
Farms Advanced
FARMS Advanced is designed for returning students who are ready to build on the foundation of FARMS Leadership and dive deeper into career development, technical skills, and real-world applications. This tier focuses on workforce readiness by exposing students to industry-specific challenges, innovation, and opportunities through advanced field days, hands-on activities, and professional development workshops.
A key component of FARMS Advanced is the Ag Issues Research Project, a yearlong, collaborative student-led inquiry into a current agricultural or environmental issue relevant to their region. Topics might include water use, labor, food equity, climate change, or technology in agriculture. Students conduct field research, interview experts, and analyze data to develop evidence-based solutions. They present their findings to peers, partners, and stakeholders at the end of the year, building confidence, critical thinking, and public speaking skills.
Students also participate in job shadowing experiences, where they spend time alongside professionals in the agriculture and environmental science industries. These placements allow students to observe real work environments, ask questions, and better understand the day-to-day responsibilities and pathways required to pursue these careers. Coordinators work closely with local partners to ensure these experiences are impactful, diverse, and tailored to student interests.
With a focus on leadership, communication, and applied learning, FARMS Advanced equips students with the tools they need to take the next step toward college, training, or a meaningful career.
alumni & Internship
Tier 3 of the FARMS Program supports students beyond high school through a structured system of internships, mentorship, and professional networking. This final tier is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, offering alumni the continued guidance and opportunities they need to thrive in agriculture, environmental science, and related industries.
Through the FARMS Alumni & Internships Program, participants are connected to paid internships with trusted partners such as farms, agri-businesses, conservation groups, government agencies, and research institutions. These internships provide real-world, career-connected experiences that allow alumni to apply the skills and knowledge gained in the FARMS Program and build meaningful résumés.
In addition to internships, ongoing mentorship is a key feature of this tier. Alumni receive one-on-one support from staff and industry professionals who offer career coaching, guidance on college and scholarship applications, and advice on navigating early career steps. This mentorship helps ensure that alumni stay motivated, focused, and informed as they make critical life and career decisions.
Professional networking is also built into this tier. Alumni gain access to events, industry introductions, and exclusive opportunities to connect with leaders and employers in their field of interest. These connections help open doors to long-term employment, training programs, and continued education.
Tier 3 ensures that FARMS Program participants are not only prepared to enter the workforce but supported every step of the way as they grow into the next generation of environmental stewards, innovators, and leaders in agriculture.
For questions and information about internship opportunities, contact Leti Hernandez at leti@landbasedlearning.org.
See FARMS at work in your region!
North State: Butte, Colusa, Glen and Tehama counties
Monterey Bay: Monterey and Santa Cruz counties
Sacramento Valley: Sacramento and Yolo counties
Central Valley: Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced and Tulare counties
Kern: Kern County
ParticIpant Resources
We are looking forward to engaging your students in the FARMS program. All necessary links and paperwork are accessible below.
Particpation Inquiry
Interested in joining us for the 2024-2025 school year?
Student Applications
Talk to the FARMS coordinator at your school, then take the first step to learn more and apply.
Safety Waivers
Required paperwork for participating students.
School & Administrator Agreements
Forms and fine print for the grown ups.
