Over 70 high school students from southeastern North Carolina were honored at the University of Mount Olive for completing the SEED Program, which preps them for careers in advanced manufacturing and agriculture. The initiative is notable for honing in on career exploration outside the confines of a four-year degree, aiming to situate students directly into in-demand job paths. According to a press release from Governor's Office, Governor Josh Stein lauded the program for offering North Carolinians alternative routes to success, saying, "Programs like SEED prepare students for careers in high-demand fields, giving them hands-on experience and industry-valued credentials. Congratulations to these students for their hard work in pursuit of a brighter future."
The ceremony marked the culmination of efforts from students who have been engaged in structured pathways including class instruction, industry tours, and technical simulations through the summer. With the backing of Smithfield Foods, this pre-apprenticeship effort is setting up students for long-term success. Jay Bennett, chief human resources officer at Smithfield Foods, emphasized the company's commitment to agriculture and manufacturing by declaring, "Through our support of the SEED program, we’re building meaningful partnerships with communities and helping students discover rewarding career paths that strengthen our industry and workforce," as per the Governor's Office.
Dr. Patricia Pfeiffer, President of Wayne Community College, pointed out the crucial role of collaborations like these and the positive impact on local communities. "The SEED Program is a shining example of how education, industry, and public support can come together to create meaningful opportunities for our students," Dr. Pfeiffer told the Governor's Office. She further commented on boosting the eastern North Carolina workforce and economy through such initiatives.
The funding from Smithfield Foods also covered stipends, supplies, and transportation for participants, ensuring accessible opportunities for all involved students. Both middle school students and educational professionals benefit from the SEED program through career awareness and professional development programs, respectively. SEED plans to broaden its reach, with aims to extend into more counties and introduce additional career pathways in the approaching years, as mentioned in the program's growth strategy.
