AgSTEP

Where real experience opens doors.

California’s First
Competency-Based Program

What Makes AgStep Different

The Students

Turning lived experience into college credit

84% of students identify as Latino/a/x
70% of students reported Spanish as their primary language
Over 34% have less than a high school diploma
Average age of student 35

A System Change in Motion

Building lasting infrastructure for skills-based training

Additional certificates will be created so that students can stack certificates to an associate degree
Over 400 students enrolled across the Central San Joaquin Valley

Ag System Certificate

Prioritizes lived experience and a pathway to certification.

12-units

Flexible

Portable

Stackable

Skills-Based Model

AgSTEP is a Proven, Scalable Solution

Competency-based:Focuses on demonstrated skills, not classroom hours.
Credit for Experience:Recognizes lived experience. No starting over.
Stackable:Credentials build toward degrees in agtech, automation, compliance, and more.
Delivered by:California Community Colleges, starting in Central Valley and expanding statewide.

This isn’t just an education model — it’s infrastructure for the future of agricultural work.

Backed by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office

Interested in joining the effort to build a more resilient California?

Let's build together. Tell us how you'd like to be a part of what's next:

I'm interested in funding or sponsoring this work.I'm interested in partnerships or collaboration.I'm interested in supporting legislation to move Competency-Based Education forward in California.I can connect you with employers.I can connect you with potential students.I'm interested in expanding this program to my college/region.I'd like to receive progress updates.I'm not sure yet, can you send me more information?

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