A new scholar program gives students real-world experience

By Mark Muckenfuss

After just seven months on the job, Lawrence Henrard, director of Cal State Monterey Bay’s agribusiness supply chain management program, has landed a $250,000 scholars program with perishable logistics giant Seafrigo USA, Inc.

“I think this will be very life-changing for a lot of students,” Henrard said, “and I think it will grow the interest in participating in our [ASCM] program.”

This is only the second year that CSUMB has offered the agribusiness supply chain management major. Henrard said 54 students are enrolled. It is one of the few such programs in the country that focuses on perishable produce, which comprises a majority of the agricultural commodities grown in the tri-county region CSUMB calls home.

The scholars program will provide $50,000 each year for five years for executive engagement, leadership development and career pathway programming. Between five and 10 students will receive support through the program, and one to two will be chosen each year for a three-month paid summer internship with Seafrigo that includes transportation and housing support. 

CSUMB Interim President Carlos Vargas said the partnership will strengthen the university's connection to the industries that drive the regional and global economy.

“As a university, Cal State Monterey Bay is committed to providing students real-world experience and connecting them to mentors from leaders in our regional industries,” Vargas said. “Through Seafrigo’s generosity, students in our nascent agribusiness supply chain management program have a tremendous opportunity to gain connections and skills that will launch their careers after graduation.”

The program resulted from discussions Henrard said he had with logistics executives at Driscoll’s, the global berry producer based in Watsonville. Driscoll’s recognizes Seafrigo's extensive capabilities and global presence in perishable logistics. Stephane Desseigne, Seafrigo’s CEO for the Americas, subsequently approved Henrard’s proposal.

Desseigne said the partnership will help prepare students for careers in the cold chain and agribusiness supply chain industries.

"Throughout my career, I have learned that the success of our industry ultimately comes down to people,” he said. “Through our partnership with CSUMB, we want to give young people the opportunity to learn, gain real-world experience, and develop the confidence to become tomorrow's leaders. Investing in their future is investing in the future of our industry."

Henrard said Seafrigo’s goals are well-aligned with those of CSUMB. 

“They’re very interested in helping first-gen underrepresented students,” he said. 

Students who are selected for the summer internship, he added, “will get to work for a global mover and shaker. They’ll be working for a company that has a keen focus on innovation and curiosity, always looking at better ways of doing things, which can really be an impactful opportunity from a career-launching aspect.”

Henrard said he expects to roll the scholars program out in the spring, and he’s hoping other industry leaders might follow Seafrigo’s lead. 

“It’s an amazing opportunity,” he said, “I hope more such programs will follow."