Local Student Involvment
The Patch provides free agriculture education programs for high-school students in Santa Maria and surrounding areas. The Patch team provides volunteer hours for those that attend workdays, community outreach, or any other event organized by The Patch Team.
Students are invited to apply in January and undergo an application process to be selected for our programs. Seasonal student team members are selected in March and participate in weekly programs through October. Our students commit to an entire season when selected as a team member and contribute 100+ volunteer hours each season. Our students participate in in-depth lessons, which enhance and develop their experience in agriculture, leadership, and team building.
The 2021 Season Team Members have been selected and applications for the 2022 season will open in January 2022.
Work Days
The Patch holds monthly student work days at Los Flores Ranch Park in Santa Maria, California. Those who attend workdays work together to complete tasks that range from event planning to irrigation work.
Workdays give students an opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, and ultimately help produce an amazing fall attraction for our community.
Community Outreach
The Patch also provides students with the opportunity to participate in community outreach activities. Those who attend outreach events help promote the mission of The Patch to the public. Community outreach events allow students to gain experience in speaking to small groups as well as networking as there are many influential public figures that attend these events.
Student Board of Directors
The Patch Team selected a group of 11 high school students to participate on the Student Board of Directors. The Student Board meets monthly to discuss workday details, main event details, and sponsorship ideas. Each board member is responsible for attending all board meetings, promoting The Patch, and overall representing The Patch to the best of their ability.
