GOLDSBORO, N.C. – More than 70 students across Southeastern North Carolina have successfully completed the Southeastern Education and Economic Development (SEED) initiative’s pre-apprenticeship academies this summer, marking another milestone for the innovative workforce development program.

The eight-week program, which concluded with a certificate ceremony, provided students with paid education and career exploration opportunities in high-demand fields including agriculture and advanced manufacturing.

Program Expansion Continues Second Year of Growth

SEED, created by the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) with funding from Smithfield Foods, has expanded significantly since its launch in summer 2024. The program initially operated at Wayne Community College and Lenoir Community College with just an advanced manufacturing academy.

This year’s expansion brought SEED academies to James Sprunt Community College, Sampson Community College, and Wilson Community College, demonstrating the program’s growing reach across the region.

Wayne Community College distinguished itself as the only institution to host both agriculture and advanced manufacturing academies this year, with 31 students participating across both programs.

Agriculture Academy Prepares Students for Future Careers

Adilee Rich, a recent South Lenoir High School graduate who participated in WCC’s agriculture academy, credited the program with preparing her for her upcoming studies at North Carolina State University.

“Going into this program, I already had a love for agriculture, but I had no idea just how much I would gain from this experience,” Rich said during the certificate ceremony.

The agriculture academy provided students with opportunities to meet farmers, business owners, and agriculture professionals while participating in work-based learning experiences, including time at the University of Mount Olive’s student farm.

“I came into this summer with a passion for agriculture, but I’m leaving with a purpose,” Rich added.

Advanced Manufacturing Academy Builds Technical Skills

Johnathan Velazquez-Trejo from Wayne School of Engineering participated in the advanced manufacturing academy, drawn by the program’s comprehensive career exploration approach.

“Each course taught us a new skill, and that is the point of this program: to expand our knowledge in the advanced manufacturing field and gain insight into what the future may hold for us,” Velazquez-Trejo explained.

Students in the manufacturing track gained hands-on experience in machine shops and toured local companies to see classroom learning applied in real-world settings.

Governor Recognizes Student Achievement

During the certificate presentation ceremony, Dr. Kristie Sauls, program director of NC Career Launch with the NCBCE, read a congratulatory letter from North Carolina Governor Josh Stein.

“I am impressed that you have taken advantage of this opportunity,” Governor Stein wrote to the pre-apprentices. “I also thank NCBCE and the Smithfield Foods Foundation for partnering to create a wonderful opportunity for students like you.”

The governor praised the program’s innovative approach to connecting high school students with pre-apprenticeship opportunities in high-demand fields.

Enhanced Teacher Preparation

This year, Wayne Community College also introduced a SEED teacher externship program, allowing Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school teachers to spend a week learning about students’ experiences in the program. This addition aims to better prepare educators to guide students toward similar opportunities.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Sauls indicated that expansion plans continue for next summer, with hopes to offer both agriculture and advanced manufacturing academies at partner institutions that joined the program this year.

The SEED initiative represents a growing commitment to workforce development in North Carolina, providing students with practical experience and college credit while addressing regional industry needs in agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

The SEED program is funded by Smithfield Foods and administered by the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, offering students paid opportunities to explore careers in high-demand fields while earning college credit.