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It may be years before the impact of the recently announced NextGen grants will make a difference in American agriculture. But several of the grants awarded to colleges and universities in the Monterey Bay region seem certain to quickly strengthen the ties between those institutions as well as with the local agricultural industry.

When Sandra Amorim Ruiz was just a year old, her parents left their home there and immigrated to Turlock, in California’s Central Valley. Ruiz is now the director of procurement and contract services for CSU Monterey Bay. Her story is one of a series being told as part of June’s Immigrant Heritage Month.

CSU Monterey Bay is increasing the size and lowering the cost of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in an effort to make a greater impact on healthcare in the Monterey region.

Recognizing the contributions of those who’ve come from foreign countries during Immigrant Heritage Month is important, said Dennis Kombe, a professor of mathematics education at CSU Monterey Bay who was born and raised in Kenya.

The awards include the NSF Graduate Fellowship Research Program and a Goldwater Scholarship.

CSUMB’s agricultural plant and soil science program has received a $5 million grant to expand and offer an enhanced career path to graduating students.

“The Tiny Desk concert series features big artists from pretty much every genre and reaches a huge audience."

At 17, Angie Tran escaped Vietnam. What she hasn’t escaped, despite the passage of more than 40 years, is feeling like an immigrant. Her journey is one of many being recognized and celebrated during June, Immigrant Heritage Month.

"[Transgender youth] need...respect, belonging, appreciation, fellowship, and love."

Alumna Desiree Sheppard, who hosts and produces a TV lifestyle show in Sacramento, says CSUMB professors helped her find her voice by telling her: “You’re allowed to be louder, to be bold, and be more vocal.”