Ag Summer Bridge runs July 31 to Aug. 5 at Fresno State

The Sixth Annual Ag Summer Bridge Program will begin at California State University, Fresno on Sunday, July 31 and concludes on Friday, Aug. 5.

This week-long program, for 20 students from four Porterville high schools, provides underrepresented students with an opportunity to learn about agricultural careers as well as about the university.

It is funded with a USDA Outreach Grant designed to increase underrepresented enrollment in the College of Agricultural Science and Technology at Fresno State. The college’s objectives include an orientation to participation in agricultural enrichment activities, advisement in academics and agricultural career exploration.

With the theme, “Let’s Go the Country” the project provides a field trip experience in science for students, said Lonna Torrico, director of the Central Valley Ag Literacy Program.

“Beyond learning about agricultural careers, the students will experience hands-on agricultural work experience by spending time in various agricultural units on campus such as working in the University Farm Market, Center for Irrigation Technology, Ornamental Horticulture, Dairy and other agricultural departments,” Torrico said.

They will also participate in leadership activities such as the ropes course and visit agricultural businesses in the Central Valley such as Lyons-Magnus, Campos Brothers Farms, Sun West Fruit Company and Booth Ranches.

On Thursday, Aug. 4, a concluding barbecue will be held for the Porterville students and their parents.

For more information or for a schedule of the week’s activities, contact Torrico in the Central Valley Ag Literacy office at (559) 278-4559.