Created through the North Carolina Business Committee for Education and sponsored by Smithfield Foods, SEED was developed to provide career exploration and work-based learning opportunities for high school students.
Participants learn and earn while getting industry-recognized credentials at no cost to them. SEED students earn college credit and gain paid educational experience through hands-on learning, classroom instruction, and tours of local businesses.
Wayne Community College held advanced manufacturing and agriculture academies on campus for eight weeks this summer. Nearly 30 students participated in a SEED academy at WCC.
Neill Westerbeek, Smithfield Foods business and grower process improvement manager, said the SEED program reflects Smithfield’s commitment to strengthening communities. “We believe investing in education is one of the best ways to prepare the next generation for meaningful careers and support the long-term vitality of our communities,” he said.
At the recognition ceremony, Westerbeek told the SEED participants that whether they continue their education or enter the workforce directly, they should be confident in what they have achieved this summer. “The knowledge, experience, and relationships you have gained through this program will be a valuable foundation for whatever pathway you choose next,” he said.
Charles Brogden, Franklin Baking Company human resources business partner and member of the WCC Board of Trustees, congratulated the students on their accomplishments and acknowledged the value of the SEED program.
“The classes that you took were eye-opening for you,” Brogden said. “Some of them you enjoyed; some of them made you realize that’s not the direction you’re going to go,” he said. “I think the SEED program is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. It’s very important that you explore different opportunities.”
During the recognition ceremony, several SEED students shared their experiences and how they shaped their views of advanced manufacturing or agriculture.
WCC’s SEED agriculture academy participant Ingrys Roman Diaz enjoyed the wide variety of classes and work experience she received in the program. “These skills and classes will help me because I plan on owning my own ranch and farm in the future,” she said. She will continue her education this fall in WCC’s Agriculture and Natural Resources department.
In addition to WCC, SEED pre-apprenticeship academies were held this summer at James Sprunt Community College, Lenoir Community College, Sampson Community College, and Wilson Community College.
The following students completed SEED academies at WCC:
Agriculture Academy
Jayden Benjamin – Eastern Wayne High School
Aiden Bigley – Wayne School of Engineering
Avril Castillo Morales – Greene Central High School
Gabriel Garcia Perez – Southern Wayne High School
Lillith Howell – Homeschool
Asia Jeffires – Charles B. Aycock High School
Gedardo Lopez Castro – Spring Creek High School
Clarita Lucas Gonzalez – Spring Creek High School
Ace Otto – Eastern Wayne High School
Jayden Penny – Eastern Wayne High School
Levi Phillips – Homeschool
Ingrys Roman Diaz – Southern Wayne High School
Hayden Smith – Eastern Wayne High School
Rylee Thompson – Wayne Preparatory Academy
Advanced Manufacturing Academy
Christopher Adams – Wayne School of Technical Arts
Jacob Bass – Wayne Christian School
Gunnar Best – Wayne School of Technical Arts
Dylan Byrd – Wayne Christian School
Soloman Crawford – Wayne Christian School
Samuel Curtis – Wayne Early/Middle College High School
Bradley Diaz Bravo – Southern Wayne High School
Camden Finch – Charles B. Aycock High School
Mason Pippin – Charles B. Aycock High School
Noah Register – Anchor Academy School
Karla Romero-Garcia – Spring Creek High School
Neri Sanchez-Ortiz – Spring Creek High School
Isaiah Williams – Wayne School of Engineering
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