By Mark Muckenfuss

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. 

A $9.5 million grant to Hartnell College and a $5 million grant to CSUMB’s agricultural plant and soil science program will create a paid college-to-university pipeline for many students pursuing the major. 

Hartnell will provide scholarship support for those pursuing the major during their first two years of study, as well as paid internship opportunities. Those students who then transfer to CSUMB would receive continued support as they complete their bachelor’s degrees. Both schools will also be reaching out to high school students interested in studying agriculture. Hartnell has a similar arrangement with the University of Arizona, Yuma. 

In addition, CSUMB partnered with UC Santa Cruz on that university’s $10 million NextGen grant and helped write a $9.5 million grant for the Agricultural Research Institute, which is being administered by Cal Poly Pomona.

The collective impact of the federal funds and cooperative efforts of these schools is expected to bolster and energize agriculture in the tri-county region.

The grants are being funded through last year’s American Rescue Plan’s Inflation Reduction Act and are administered by the USDA through the From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals Program. Not counting the Cal Poly Pomona grant, Monterey Bay area schools received nearly 10% of the $260 million parsed out to colleges and universities across the country under the program.

“That’s huge,” said Cindy Lopez, CSUMB’s director of Sponsored Programs, who oversees grant applications. “It’s really rare you see such large dollar amounts and for it to be supporting students in this way.”

She expects the grants to increase the collaboration between the schools. 

“We do quite a lot with Hartnell anyway,” Lopez said. “But I think this continues to build on what we already have established.”

Hartnell’s Superintendent/President Michael Gutierrez said he, too, sees the grants as offering good opportunities.

“It's an exciting time at Hartnell College as we look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership with CSUMB," Gutierrez said. “Our collaboration is a shining example of how two great organizations can come together to change lives and create positive futures.”

Andrew Lawson, dean of CSUMB’s College of Science, called the local grants a “massive investment in growing the future leaders in agriculture.”

“The awards will also continue to strengthen the partnership and collaborations between CSUMB, Hartnell and UCSC," he added. 

At both CSUMB and Hartnell, the funding will be used to support students during the regular academic year, including mentoring and workshops. The grants will also provide a wide variety of new paid internship opportunities for regional students. 

"Through these grants, we will be able to provide support for students interested in careers in agriculture across multiple pathways,” Lawson said, “whether they choose to start at Hartnell and transfer to CSUMB, come directly to CSUMB, or if they choose to continue on to graduate studies at UCSC. We will be able to ensure our region has the next generation of agricultural leaders."

Jessica Bautista, a research associate with the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center, said a portion of the UC Santa Cruz grant will allow some CSUMB students to do research at UCSC, expanding on an existing program. 

“We’re creating a pipeline,” Bautista said. “We’ll be sending four undergrad students to UCSC for the summer. They are getting a glimpse of what grad school is about and will get immersed in the whole research experience.”

In addition, two environmental science master’s students will participate in year-long research internships at UCSC. The program is open to biology, environmental science and agriculture undergrads. Graduate students in environmental science can also apply. 

“I think this is a big step,” Bautista said of the cooperation between the two schools. “It's getting better and better every year. In my eyes, with the students in the ag department, it's growing exponentially.”

Stacy Philpott, faculty director for UCSC’s Center for Agroecology, said the joint effort will open new opportunities for students. 

“This new grant will allow us to continue and expand this work,” Philpott said of the existing program, “as well as make space for CSUMB Master of Science students to do internships with UCSC faculty. We hope that this will build a recruitment pipeline to provide opportunities for further graduate study and increase the professional networks of students on both campuses.” 

While the funding for the Agricultural Research Institute is open for all CSU students to pursue, Sam Robinson, a CSUMB professor of journalism and digital media studies, and a co-author of the grant proposal, said her knowledge of the program may well give CSUMB students a leg up.

“I can directly email students who may qualify,” Robinson said. “It helps to get more information out to more people, which increases the likelihood of CSUMB students getting more funding.”

Grants will be awarded to 418 students, with amounts ranging from $11,000 for undergrads to $25,000 for graduate students. 

For the underserved population that makes up a significant portion of CSUMB’s enrollment, Robinson said the grants are “a great equalizer,” allowing students who might otherwise have to work while going to school to focus fully on their studies.

Hartnell Dean of Academic Affairs Clint Cowden said the big picture looks good. 

“The investments received by Hartnell, CSUMB, and UCSC represent more than just a financial boost,” Cowden said. “They signify recognition of the vital role our region plays in driving the future of the agriculture industry. This grant will enable us to build on our success, creating opportunities for thousands of students in our region."