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- Written by: Yuba College
MARYSVILLE, Calif. – Yuba College has been awarded $194,120 through the We Prosper Together Catalyst Pre-Development Grant to design and launch an innovative, inclusive working lands summer internship program.
The program will provide hands-on, real-world experience for students pursuing careers in forestry, water resources, agriculture and fire mitigation.
The initiative aims to be scalable across the region and responsive to the urgent needs of disinvested communities. Students in agriculture, biology, environmental science, fire technology, geography and natural resources will directly benefit from the program, which will run through August 2026.
“This initiative represents a unique opportunity for our students to gain practical experience in outdoor-based professions while preparing for the realities of working in these environments,” said Yuba College Dean of Industrial Innovation Michael Bagley. “For students aspiring to careers that involve working outdoors, internships play a crucial role in providing a realistic and exciting glimpse into the realities of such professions.”
Yuba College plans to collaborate with regional schools, workforce agencies and industry partners to secure ongoing funding to sustain and expand the program beyond its pilot year.
Yuba College hopes the findings and outcomes from the internship model will lead to additional experiential learning opportunities for students in science-based careers with outdoor components.
“Practical experience gained through internships significantly enhances a student’s resume and makes them more attractive to potential employers,” Bagley said. “Working outdoors comes with its unique set of challenges, including exposure to the elements, potential hazards and the need for adaptability and resilience.”
The We Prosper Together Catalyst Pre-Development Grant builds on Yuba College’s strong partnership with the Yuba Water Agency. Since 2022, the agency’s $700,000 five-year grant has supported the creation of a watershed management program, which expands the natural resources program at Yuba College.
This funding has resulted in four new career-technical certificates in field technician, watershed management, soil conservation, geographic information systems, watershed resilience and forest management.
“The launch of our new vocational certificates is one of the most exciting developments I have seen during my time at Yuba College,” said Korey Champe, assistant professor of earth science. “For years, I have taught courses that fulfill the physical science general education requirement. These courses are typically not taken by science majors and often feel one step removed from the real world. That changes now.”
Champe continued, “These new programs give our students the chance to learn skills in the classroom and apply them directly in careers that make an immediate impact. Connecting science education to economic productivity is a game changer for our students and for the region. But this is about more than workforce preparation. This program also builds environmental stewardship and awareness of the challenges facing our planet, and connects them to our community. This opportunity has reenergized me as an instructor, and this grant is the missing piece. Getting students in local internships that will lead to immediate job placement ties up one of the most difficult parts, getting a job.”
Beyond funding, the Yuba Water Agency has sponsored community events at the Yuba College Theatre to highlight critical local and regional issues, and has been an active partner in developing the working lands summer internship program. These efforts align with the agency’s mission and vision for the region’s future.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
MARYSVILLE, Calif. – Yuba College’s Advanced Manufacturing program is celebrating a national victory after three of its students claimed first place in Project MFG’s Clash of Trades, a televised competition that challenges the best and brightest in advanced manufacturing, computer numerical control, or CNC, machining and additive technologies.
The 2025 Clash of Trades competition began with 60 teams from high schools, technical colleges and trade programs across the country.
After an intense qualifier round, only 16 advanced to regionals. From there, four teams earned a spot in the national finals.
Competing June 10 to 12 at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Illinois, students Phoenix Farrell, 19, Adam Davis, 21, and Wyatt Curry, 21, represented Yuba College in the final round against Central Alabama Community College, Everett Community College and Autry Technology Center. The trio walked away as national champions and with $100,000 in prize money. Half will go to support the college’s manufacturing program, while the other half was split among the three students.
Each team member brought a specialized skill set to the competition.
Wyatt Curry, the team’s lead CNC programmer and machinist, arguably had the most difficult role, tackling the challenge of programming and executing intricate 5-axis milling operations. Producing complex parts under tight time constraints requires precision and confidence. Wyatt spent countless hours researching strategies, studying online forums and pushing the limits of the machine to gain every possible advantage.
Adam Davis served as the team’s 3D printing technician, managing the additive manufacturing components with precision. He also handled much of the team's computer-aided design (CAD) modeling and assisted with machine setup. Davis is known for his attention to detail and ability to troubleshoot environmental factors like humidity, which can impact print quality.
Phoenix Farrell acted as the team’s mechanic and all-around troubleshooter, contributing to programming, operation and CAD work. Farrell’s positive attitude, calm decision-making and leadership under pressure helped the team stay on track. He also served an essential role in keeping team morale high.
"This victory means the world to me for so many reasons," said Joseph Bauer, faculty lead for the team and instructor in the college’s manufacturing program. "When I started at Yuba nine years ago, I barely knew what a 5-axis mill was, and at one point, we were worried the program might be shut down due to low enrollment. This win proves that we now measure up with the best in the country."
Yuba College’s journey to the national championship began with a qualifying round earlier this year, followed by a high-pressure regional round at Bridgerland Technical College in Logan, Utah. According to Bauer, regionals were especially intense due to the unknown performance of other teams.
"There was a sense of urgency," said Bauer. "Wyatt decided to get very aggressive with his cuts and ended up finishing all the parts over an hour early. That risky strategy helped set us apart."
Wyatt described the team's run as nothing short of dominant. “We didn’t run into any issues. Looking at the video they released for our regionals, no other team came close,” he said. “At nationals, we finished four hours ahead of anyone else and our parts were the closest to spec.” During the final round, their work even pushed the physical limits of the equipment. “We hit the limits of what the machine was capable of doing and surprised the instructor of the facility because he hadn’t run it that hard before.”
The team also stood out for their efficiency and positive spirit. Davis recalled, “We had to keep calling the camera crew over to get footage because we were finishing everything so fast.” Farrell added that the camera crew even caught him relaxing with his feet up, reading a book, while other teams were still machining.
For Curry, the experience was defined by both performance and camaraderie. “We were the only team that seemed to have fun. The entire time we were all smiles and just working. No one came close to having as good a time there as us.”
The team’s chemistry wasn’t always seamless. Bauer described early team dynamics as rocky, with the students needing to learn how to work together rather than compete against one another. But through focused practice and mentorship, they developed the chemistry and discipline needed to excel on a national stage.
"Preparing for Round 1 was rough," Bauer said. "They were just a group of students then, not a team. But once they opened those instructions, it got real, and they locked in."
For Davis, the win symbolizes what’s possible when programs like Yuba’s are given the resources to thrive. "I’m glad I was able to support our little corner of Yuba’s campus and show the potential of what the manufacturing program could be if given the support to grow," he said.
The team also credited their success to the support of local industry partner Kingsbury Inc., located in Yuba City, which provided donated materials, tooling and scheduling flexibility.
"Our work is expensive, and we don’t have the enrollment numbers that programs like Nursing do," said Bauer. "We’re incredibly thankful to Kingsbury for helping make this happen."
All three students are already putting their skills to work. Farrell is now employed at Kingsbury as an industrial manufacturing technician. Davis landed a job as a machinist at a fabrication shop just days after returning from the finals. Curry, who has worked at a small shop for over a year while finishing his degree, recently started a new job at a large manufacturing facility.
The students expressed immense appreciation to those who helped them along the way. Farrell extended thanks to Project MFG, Yuba College instructors Joe Bauer and Dan Turner, his boss Nic Prather at Kingsbury and the community who supported them. “And to my teammates Wyatt and Adam for being the best possible tradesmen for the job,” he said. Davis added, “I’m just proud I could help represent Yuba and show what this program is capable of.”
The Clash of Trades national championship aired from July 23 to August 8.The episodes can be viewed on Project MFG’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@ProjectMFG.
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- Written by: Woodland Community College
WOODLAND, Calif. – Woodland Community College invites you to Express Registration on Saturday, Aug. 9.
Express Registration offers an easy and personalized way to enroll in classes for the upcoming Fall semester.
Designed to simplify the enrollment process, Express Registration offers personalized, on-the-spot assistance to help students complete all necessary steps to get started — from application and academic advising to financial aid support.
Whether you're a new or returning student, this event is your one-stop shop to kick off your educational journey.
Key features of express registration:
• Simplified process: Express Registration simplifies the enrollment process, allowing students to complete necessary steps swiftly.
• Financial aid support: Explore financial aid options, including Reconnect @WCC and the California College Promise Grant which offer free tuition options, and receive guidance on available resources to make education more affordable.
• Personalized assistance: Friendly staff will be available to provide personalized assistance, guiding students through the registration steps and answering questions.
• On-the-spot advising: Receive on-the-spot academic advising to help you make informed decisions about your educational goals and course selection.
Express Registration is open to both new and returning students, offering an opportunity to kickstart the Fall semester at Woodland Community College.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Woodland Community College, 2300 East Gibson Road, Woodland.
Can’t make it on Saturday, Aug. 9? No problem. Individuals who are unable to attend in person can still enroll anytime online at wcc.yccd.edu/apply.
Woodland Community College encourages prospective students to take advantage of Express Registration and start their educational journey with ease.
For more information, visit https://wcc.yccd.edu/admissions/express-registration/ or call 530-661-7759.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
NAPA, Calif. — On Saturday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) gathered alumni of his and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry’s Student Leadership Council at the Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center.
The event featured Student Leadership Council, or SLC, alumni, former staff members of Thompson’s, and former interns of Thompson’s to connect young leaders in our community.
“When I founded my Student Leadership Council in 2018, I hoped it would serve as a resource to train and connect our next generation of leaders. Now, the SLC has over 200 alumni and I continue to be inspired by the ambition and passion of these young adults,” said Rep. Thompson. “Our next generation is facing complex problems, from solving the climate crisis to protecting our democracy, and our SLC alumni are at the forefront of this important work. I was glad to host a reunion event to connect our alumni and to continue my partnership with our young leaders on the issues that matter most to our community.”
Rep. Thompson and Assembly Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry’s Student Leadership Council is an exciting program that allows local students to work directly with their elected officials, public service staff, and the philanthropic and business communities to develop leadership skills, learn how government works, and engage with our community.
The council is open to all high school students who live in California's Fourth Congressional District or California's Fourth Assembly District. Selected students meet monthly over the course of the school year.
Learn more about the Student Leadership Council here and sign up for the 2025-2026 Student Leadership Council program here.
Thompson represents California’s Fourth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.