Additional information about each academy session is provided below.  SWOCC release - Agroecology: “From Seed to Table” with Maria Farinacci, Assistant Professor of Agroecology, June 15 & June 17 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Middle & high school students | Attend one or both sessions.  Ever wonder where your food actually comes from, or what it takes to grow it in a world facing climate change, population growth, and shrinking farmland? In this fast-paced, hands-on lab, students won't just hear about the future of agriculture. They’ll dig into it.  This isn't your average lecture. Students will spend real time working with soil, seeds, and living plants. They’ll learn why healthy soil is one of the most complex and underrated ecosystems on Earth. We're talking billions of microorganisms in a single handful of soil, and they're the reason any of us eat at all.  In this workshop, students will:  Explore the science of plant biology, from germination and photosynthesis to nutrient cycles and soil chemistry.  Experiment with sustainable growing techniques used by real-world farmers and food scientists, including composting, companion planting, and water-efficient irrigation.  Discover how horticulture intersects with cutting-edge fields like environmental science, and urban planning.  Taste and test produce grown right on campus…because the best science experiments are the ones you can eat!  Why does this matter? By 2050, the world will need to produce 50% more food to feed a growing population — all while using less land, less water, and fewer chemicals. The people solving that problem are studying exactly what students explore in this lab. Whether students are interested in biology, environmental science, engineering, business, or simply figuring out what they want to do, sustainable agriculture sits at the intersection of it all.  Paramedicine with Julie Ryan, Paramedicine Program Faculty Director, June 15–17 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Middle & high school students | 8‑students max | Designed as a three‑day series.  The paramedicine track gives students a rare chance to learn real emergency medical skills in a fun, supportive environment. Each day will feature different hands‑on skills, building toward a friendly, skills‑based competition on the final day. Students will train inside the ambulance simulator, practicing procedures in a realistic moving ambulance environment that is consistently described as one of the most exciting parts of the program. This session is intended for students who can participate all three days, due to the progressive skill‑building structure.  Columbia Pacific Maritime **High School Only** Session, June 15–17 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM,  High school students | Full three‑day experience.  The Columbia Pacific Maritime session offers high school students a three‑day, hands‑on introduction to the maritime industry, blending career exploration with real seamanship and marine science. Students will learn about local and global maritime careers, practice essential deck skills, and spend a field‑trip day at the Charleston Marine Life Center exploring tide pools and touring the University of Oregon’s research vessels. The final day immerses students in navigation, watchstanding, and vessel operations, giving them a realistic look at life on the bridge and the skills mariners use every day.  This session is designed as a cohesive three‑day experience, with students participating as a group throughout the full program.  For more information about this event, please contact Krystal Hopper Meyers, LIFT Project Administrator at [email protected].  To learn more about programs offered at SWOCC, check out the Pathways & Degrees page:  https://www.socc.edu/programs-classes/pathways-degrees/