December 27, 2011 – West Hills College Coalinga will join forces with California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California State University, Fresno, and College of the Sequoias to develop plans to assist returning service-members seeking training in the agricultural field. In an effort to prepare veterans for long-term agricultural careers, these educational institutions will work with the International Agri-Center® in its development of the Ag Warriors program.
West Hills College Coalinga is well prepared to handle the task of training returning veterans. The college’s career and technical education programs are ideally suited for veterans going through the Ag Warriors program.
“Through our Farm of the Future, we have education programs in agriculture and industrial science that can lead to promising careers in agriculture and agriculture-related occupations,” said Willard Clark Lewallen, Ph.D., president, West Hills College Coalinga. “Partnering with the International Agri-Center and the Ag Warriors program is important on so many levels for West Hills College Coalinga—we have the utmost respect and admiration for all military veterans.”
Many veterans who might otherwise excel in agriculture lack the requisite training, certification, familiarity or access to initiate careers in agriculture. The Ag Warriors program at the International Agri-Center® will facilitate the necessary training and certification for returning veterans to enter the industry.
“We’re looking to the experts to help us develop the educational aspect of Ag Warriors,” said Jerry Sinift, CEO, International Agri-Center®. “With commitments from Cal Poly, Fresno State, COS and now West Hills, we’re one step closer to helping veterans get the training they need to secure professional careers in the agriculture industry.”
The program will officially launch at the Ag Warriors Gala on February 15, 2012 during World Ag Expo® in Tulare, California. The event will include a keynote address from the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush.