Dual Enrollment Program Launches Urban Agriculture Pathway
The Dual Enrollment and Horticulture programs at Fullerton College celebrate the success of their urban agricultural pathway with Magnolia High School. A unique opportunity for high school students, the program combines the traditional classroom experience with a paid internship – paving the way for future horticulture professionals.
Gaining Independence One Shift at a Time
Open to all Anaheim Union High School District students, the summer-long program takes place at the Magnolia High School campus, with the internship component partaking at the Magnolia Agriscience Community Center (MACC). The internship offers participating students 20 hours of service per week for a rate of $18 an hour. Designed to cultivate professional skills and independence, MACC farm duties address pertinent issues, including food deserts, food insecurity, urban agriculture, environmental sustainability and more.
The program’s most recent cohort consisted of 22 students who experienced a morning of professional development at the MACC farm and an afternoon of instruction on the fundamentals of horticulture. Adjunct Horticulture Instructor, Ty Teissere, led the first cohort’s class. With expertise in soil science and vermicomposting, Teissere brought practical, hands-on knowledge to the course and helped students understand the essential role healthy soils play in urban agriculture and sustainable food production.
“This course adds a unique hands-on learning opportunity for our dual enrollment students,” said Director of the Fullerton College Dual Enrollment program, Tam Contreras. “Students can directly apply their learning to the productivity of the MACC Farm. It is truly incredible to see these students learn in this environment.”
A student waters plants at the MACC farm during internship hours. While students gain a sense of what a day in the field looks like, they also contribute to seasonal crop rotation, preparing education for community members and promoting organic farming practices.
The Minds Behind an Innovative Pathway
Through thoughtful collaboration with Magnolia High School and the Fullerton College Natural Sciences Division, our Dual Enrollment team created a program with intentions to get high school students college and career ready before officially embarking on their higher education journey.
The program’s curriculum, pioneered by Professor of Horticulture, Luellen Swayzer, was designed to meet Magnolia High School’s academic needs. After a meeting with Magnolia administrators a year ago, Swayzer was inspired to build a curriculum that embraced the importance of plant care, irrigation and financial independence.
“Luellen designed a stackable certificate program for Magnolia High School that responded to the students’ interests expressed to Magnolia faculty,” said Dean of the Division of Natural Sciences, Angela Hernderson. “She is well connected in the horticulture industry and used her expertise in landscape design and sustainable horticulture to inform certificate programs so that students would have an edge in the industry.”
A Collaborative Future Ahead
Fullerton College’s urban agricultural pathway holds big plans to expand outreach, curriculum and impact. Next summer, students can expect to enroll in Introduction to Urban Farming.
Among professional experience and financial agency, the urban agriculture program also sets high school students on a pathway where they can earn a certificate and make their way to earning an associate’s degree in nursery management at Fullerton College.
“Luellen’s approach to the certificate programs reflects the field of horticulture as a science, art and industry.” said Henderson.
In addition, Fullerton College’s horticulture club consists of student leaders ready to welcome and uplift dual enrollment students while serving as a networking force.
An exciting milestone for Fullerton College, the program is an example the campus’ collaborative efforts to inspire young generations, expedite one’s professional and academic goals and most importantly, give back to the community.
To learn more about our college’s opportunities for high school students, visit the Dual Enrollment Program website.
