A group of students from Pender Early College High School and Pender High School recently had a unique opportunity to visit the headquarters and research laboratories of the world’s largest agricultural crop protection company in Greensboro, North Carolina. The trip, organized by Pender County Extension Director Mark Seitz, aimed to expose students to the vast career opportunities available in the food and agriculture industry.
Participating in the trip were Jacob Farrior and Olivia Seitz from Pender Early College High School, along with Crystal Garcia, Agnely Matute, Kellyn Diaz, Ronie Membreno-Andino, Sandra Martinez-Bautista, Jasmine Ramirez Hernandez, Brenda Ramirez Salazar, Lizzeth Paz-Cruz, and Lizbeth Santiago from Pender High School.
During the visit, students toured state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratories, where they learned about the crucial role of science and technology in modern agriculture. From crop protection and biotechnology to engineering and robotics, the experience highlighted the many career pathways available within the industry. Company representatives engaged with students, providing insight into real-world applications of chemistry, biology, and environmental science in agricultural innovation.
Seitz emphasized the importance of exposing students to these career fields early, stating, “Our goal is to broaden students’ horizons and show them the diverse opportunities that exist in agriculture and related industries. We hope this experience inspires them to consider careers in science, packaging, engineering, robotics, and beyond.”
Pender County Schools Superintendent Dr. Brad Breedlove praised the initiative, stating, “Providing students with real-world exposure to career opportunities is a key part of our mission. This trip highlights the incredible potential within the agriculture and science industries, and we are proud to support experiences that inspire students to think about their future in meaningful ways.”
By providing hands-on learning experiences and professional exposure, trips like these help equip students with the knowledge and inspiration to pursue careers in high-demand fields. Pender County Schools remains committed to supporting students in exploring educational and career pathways that align with their interests and aspirations.
For more information on educational opportunities and career development initiatives within Pender County Schools, visit https://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/
