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# Farmworkers Institute of Education & Leadership Development

Empowering the Underserved to be Self-Suficient

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## Posts

- [Nevada County Superintendent of Schools Visits FIELD’s EPIC de Cesar Chavez Campus in Bakersfield](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/investing-in-our-future-the-great-american-outdoors-act-and-youth-corps-make-a-difference-at-cesar-e-chavez-national-monument-2/) - FIELD was honored to welcome members from the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools for a site visit at our EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School in Bakersfield, CA. During the visit, our guests had the opportunity to meet with members of our dedicated team, tour the campus, and gain a deeper understanding of FIELD’s mission
- [Feliz Ano Nuevo](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/feliz-ano-nuevo/) - Dear FIELD Students and Friends – From the entire FIELD family, we want to wish each of you a Happy New Year, full of family, health and prosperity. However, it looks like 2025 is getting off to a difficult start. The wildfires over the past week have ravaged many of our sisters and brothers in
- [Investing in Our Future – The Great American Outdoors Act and Youth Corps Make a Difference at César E. Chávez National Monument](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/investing-in-our-future-the-great-american-outdoors-act-and-youth-corps-make-a-difference-at-cesar-e-chavez-national-monument/) - Courtesy of National Park Service The César E. Chávez National Monument, located in Keene, California, commemorates the life and work of César E. Chávez, a civil rights activist who fought for the rights of farmworkers. The monument was established in 2012 and is located within La Nuestra Senora Reina de la Paz (La Paz) National
- [Chavez Corp Celebrates Steller 2024 with Holiday Luncheon](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/chavez-corp-celebrates-steller-2024-with-holiday-luncheon/) - This year's Chavez Corps holiday luncheon was the best yet, with record participation, good food and great moments. "This is very reflective of the year the Chavez Corps has had,” said Dave Weaver, Director of the Chavez Corps. “We have had great participation and development of our corpsmembers in 2024. The outstanding work of our
- [FIELD Community Shares Holiday Cheer and Toy Giveaway](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-community-shares-holiday-cheer-and-toy-giveaway/) - You could feel the smiles and joy as dozens of community members and their children enrolled in FIELD’s Early Childhood Education classes enjoyed Santa and the holiday spirit at our Toy Giveaway event this year. FIELD staff and leaders had collected donations of new unwrapped toys for the holiday giveaway. Children from our ECE classes
- [A Message from our Board - Dec. 2024](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-celebrates-32-increased-enrollment-in-epic-adult-high-school-program-2-2-2/) - Dear FIELD family, Happy holidays to all our friends and supporters from our FIELD family to yours. We have had a very exciting year at FIELD and our Board and Staff have shown great power and resiliency through it all. Over the past year we have continued to build our programs and reinforce our
- [FIELD is Hiring! Join Our Educational Team.](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-is-hiring-join-our-educational-team/) - We’re Currently Looking for an Asst. Principal & Business Teacher.
- [Feliz Navidad, Happy Holidays to Our Entire FIELD Family!](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/feliz-navidad-happy-holidays-to-our-entire-field-family/) - As we take time to reflect on 2024, a since thank you for your continued support of our programs that benefit our communities and empower underserved families.
- [Help Our Community Grow This Holiday Giving Season](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/help-our-community-grow-this-holiday-giving-season/) - Donate today as part of our Holiday Giving 2024 Campaign to help our students and corpsmembers. We have 3 easy ways to donate: Sponsor a FIELD Dorm Room for Transitional Youth Donate an Unwrapped Toy for Our Families Donate New & Gently Used Winter Coats & More
- [FIELD/Kern County Partnership Receives Immigrant Educational Grant](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/kern-county-in-partnership-with-field-and-the-bakersfield-college-launchpad-receives-grant-for-immigrant-entrepreneurship-course/) - We are pleased to announce that Kern County, in partnership with FIELD and the Bakersfield College Launchpad, has received funding from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development for the Local Immigrant Integration and Inclusion Grant for an immigrant entrepreneurship course for those seeking to start a business. FIELD’s Career Technical Education Pathway in
- [FIELD Corpsmembers Transform Chavez National Monument with $390,000 Restoration Grant ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-corpsmembers-transform-chavez-national-monument-with-390000-restoration-grant-2/) - By Stephen Lynch There is currently more than one kind of transformation taking place at the Cesar Chavez National Monument, La Paz in Keene, CA. Thanks to $390,000 funding from the National Park Service, the final resting place of the highly influential civil rights leader and his wife is in the middle of a long-needed
- [Happy Thanksgiving!](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/happy-thanksgiving/) - Message From the FIELD Leadership The holiday season will soon be here, and I wanted to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all our students and staff! Your FIELD leadership team has been busy this fall with all our departments running at full steam. You can read more details about our work below. Our headquarters and
- [EPIC High School: Enrollment Strong, WASC Accreditation Cycle On Track ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/epic-high-school-enrollment-strong-wasc-accreditation-cycle-on-track/) - Fall enrollment at EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School continues to be strong, says Principal Jaime Quinonez, who is clearly pleased with the results of all the new efforts at EPIC High School. Only on the job for six months, Quinonez says student enrollment is currently at one of its highest rates and outreach to
- [Our Amazing Corpsmembers Treated to Thank You Luncheon ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/annual-corpsmembers-appreciation-luncheon/) - It was a great afternoon of fun and camaraderie on Oct. 23 when dozens of corpsmembers from all divisions of the Cesar Chavez Environmental Corps (CCEC) came together for their annual appreciation luncheon. “After a long, hot, busy summer season, Corps managers like to bring everyone together to recognize the corpsmembers for all their hard
- [Victory on CA Climate Change: $10 Billion Bond Passes ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/victory-on-ca-climate-change-10-billion-bond-passes/) - Water Conservation, Recycling, Forest Planting and Thinning, and Wetland Restoration to be Funded On Nov. 5, California voters approved a $10 billion bond to fight climate change. The bond, which was supported by a broad coalition of environmental, labor, political and community groups, received over 59% of the final vote. The bond is the largest natural
- [EPIC High School: Celebrating Dia de los Muertos ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/epic-high-school-celebrating-dia-de-los-muertos/) - FIELD’s EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School held its second annual Dia de los Muertos celebration on October 31st. The celebration was full of color, symbolism, and traditional practices for the students and staff members who attended. “This event gave students and staff members a space to remember loved ones who have passed away and an opportunity
- [Humble Life was Spent Fighting for Equality & Respect with Farm Worker Movement](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-celebrates-32-increased-enrollment-in-epic-adult-high-school-program-2-3/) - Lupe Murguia escaped his impoverished village in the Mexican state of Jalisco in 1952 to journey north as a bracero farm laborer only to discover humiliation and injustice in California agriculture. It sparked a struggle to be recognized as an equal and as a person deserving of respect and value. He devoted a lifetime seeking
- [FIELD Celebrates 32% Increased Enrollment in EPIC Adult High School Program](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-celebrates-32-increased-enrollment-in-epic-adult-high-school-program/) - Students Respond Positively To Flexible Class Schedules; Current FIELD Leadership Prepares For November WASC Committee Visit Farmworkers Institute of Education and Leadership Development (FIELD) is pleased to report a 32% increase in its EPIC Adult High School enrollment this year, with over 720 students currently enrolled. EPIC Adult High School has graduated over 1,500 students,
- [A Message from our Board ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-celebrates-32-increased-enrollment-in-epic-adult-high-school-program-2-2/) - I will start by sharing that as you’ll read further below in the newsletter, the world lost a legend this month with the passing of Jose Guadalupe Murguia. Lupe was not only a great organizer and leader in the United Farm Workers (UFW), but also a great man. The work that he did with those
- [Lifelong Educator Jaime Quiñónez Discusses His First Few Months as EPIC School Principal ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/lifelong-educator-jaime-quinonez-discusses-his-first-few-months-as-epic-school-principal/) - An educator with over 30 years’ experience in the Kern School District, EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School Principal Jaime Quiñónez is excited to bring his wealth of experience and knowledge to FIELD’s adult high school programs. Quiñónez sat down with us to talk about his work and challenges with FIELD’s EPIC High School after his first
- [Transforming Lives at La Paz: Celebration of Renovation Progress, Public-Private Partnership during Hispanic Heritage Month](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/transforming-lives-at-la-paz-celebration-of-renovation-progress-public-private-partnership-during-hispanic-heritage-month/) - Oct. 11 celebration features impacted teens, National Park Service Director What: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Cesar Chavez National Monument When: Friday Oct 11, 12 noon – 1:30 pm Where: Cesar Chavez Nat’l Monument, La Paz, 29700 Woodford-Tehachapi Rd, Keene, CA 93531 Speakers: Nat’l Park Service Director Chuck Sams; FIELD Chaves Environmental Corps Director David
- [FIELD Board Sets the Record Straight on Recent Public Misinformation About Its Adult High School Program  ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-board-sets-the-record-straight-on-recent-public-misinformation-about-its-adult-high-school-program/) - WASC Accreditation at Risk Since 2022, Violations Not Addressed Aug. 27, 2024 - In response to recent public misinformation about its adult charter high school program, EPIC (Escuela Popular Instituto Campesino), the FIELD Board of Directors announced it has been investigating concerns about its WASC accreditation being at risk due to long-standing violations in the
- [Fall Semester Starting Soon](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/fall-semester-starting-soon/) - Rolling Registrations All Year Long Have you ever dreamed of getting your high school diploma? Getting a better job? Earning more money? Being a good role model for your family? Well, we have good news for you! You can do it all by enrolling today for FREE at the EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School
- [Meet Beti Tapia, Student Services Manager ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/meet-beti-tapia-student-services-manager/) - Raised just outside Bakersfield in the small agricultural town of Wasco, Beti Tapia was familiar with Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers as a child. The mother of two adult children now works as FIELD's Student Services Manager, overseeing the nonprofit's education services, such as the adult high school diploma and ESL programs. Beti
- [Making Life Better Through Education](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/making-live-better-through-education/) - Get Your High School Diploma Through FIELD's EPIC Adult High School It's been a few months since I've stepped into the leadership role at FIELD and I can't tell you how honored I was to preside over some of this year's graduations. Our students’ stories are so inspiritng – from the mother of five who never thought a high school diploma was possible, to
- [Progress Update on Union Avenue Facility](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/progress-update-on-union-avenue-facility/) - FIELD is excited to share with you the latest progress that is being made with our renovation project at our Union Ave facility in Bakersfield, CA. We anticipate that we will have interior renovations completed in the next few weeks. After that, we will begin site improvements. Our solar carport is officially complete and we
- [Exploring Worker Co-ops from the Masters at Mondragon](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/exploring-worker-co-ops-from-the-masters-at-mondragon/) - Mondragon is one of the world’s best-known worker-owned co-ops. Started by five engineers committed to empowering their workers, the Mondragon experiment now boasts 80,000 workers across 240 businesses and 110 cooperatives working in a profitable and democratic environment created by and for the workers in a collective enterprise. Recently President & CEO David Villarino and a key
- [Nearly 160 EPIC High School Graduates Celebrate Milestone Accomplishments, Triumphs  ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/nearly-160-epic-high-school-graduates-celebrate-milestone-accomplishments-triumphs/) - By Stephen Lynch and Sahid Fawaz Photos courtesy of students and their families You could feel the excitement in the air as some 160 EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School adults celebrated at graduation ceremonies around the state, capping off years of hard work, grueling schedules, and good old-fashioned grit in honor of their huge
- [Meet Tamar Asatryan, EdD: Special Assistant for Strategic Initiatives at FIELD ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/meet-tamar-asatryan/) - Tamar Asatryan has worked in various positions in FIELD leadership for the past eight years, and now heads up the organization’s Strategic Initiatives. After receiving her Doctorate in Education from California State University-Fresno, Tamar brought her academic knowledge and teaching experience to FIELD, where she has made a difference in the lives of its students.
- [Cesar de Chavez High School Graduation Announcements ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/cesar-de-chavez-high-school-graduation-announcements/) - Be sure to join us in celebrating and showing how proud we are of our amazing students! 6/17/2024 Riverside - 5pm - 2060 University Avenue, Riverside, CA. - Cheer Building Atwater - 6pm - Buhach Colony High School Theatre, 1800 N Buhach Rd, Atwater, CA 95301 6/18/2024 Indio - 6pm - 47155 Van Buren St, Indio,
- [FIELD President Takes Research Sabbatical; New Chief Announced ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-president-takes-research-sabbatical-new-chief-announced/) - Apr. 22, 2024 - FIELD is happy to announce that Chief Executive Officer David Villarino is taking a six-month research sabbatical to help the organization realize its mission. The sabbatical will take effect immediately. “After 24 years of steadfast devotion as FIELD’s Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors has approved my request for a
- [FIELD Corpsmembers Share Their Stories with Sacramento Legislators](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-corpsmembers-share-their-stories-with-sacramento-legislators/) - In April, FIELD sent a delegation of corpsmembers and staff to Sacramento for Government Education Day. There, they joined together with corpsmembers from across the state to talk to elected officials about the important conservation work they do, how the program has positively impacted their lives, and ensure ongoing funding vital to its mission. FIELD
- [Superintendent Thurmond Tours FIELD’s New Facility, Gives Org a Shoutout](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/superintendent-thurmond-tours-fields-new-facility-gives-org-a-shoutout/) - FIELD was honored to host California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond on a recent tour of FIELD’s Union Avenue facility that is being redeveloped to accommodate our growing footprint in the state. FIELD CEO and President David Villarino acted as tour guide to the whole complex. He pointed out the new dorms under construction
- [FIELD Gains Name Recognition, Momentum Going Into Graduation Season](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/march-message-from-the-president-2/) - It’s been a little more than three weeks since our wildly successful 8th Annual Chavez Legacy Breakfast and we’re still floating on Cloud 9. This year we had a record sold-out crowd of 600-plus attendees filling the ballroom to the brim with joy, love and hope for the future. We’re already talking about needing a larger
- [Sold Out 2024 Chavez Breakfast a Rousing Success](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/sold-out-2024-chavez-breakfast-a-rousing-success/) - With a record 600-plus people filling the hotel ballroom to capacity, FIELD’s 8th Annual Cesar Chavez Legacy Breakfast brought the entire Kern County community together to honor the life and legacy of the labor icon on what would have been his 97th birthday. This year, six distinguished community leaders were honored, offering stirring tributes to FIELD, as
- [Several individuals honored at Cesar Chavez Legacy Breakfast](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/several-individuals-honored-at-cesar-chavez-legacy-breakfast/) - This article by Steven Mayer originally appeared on Bakersfield.com: A record 600 people attended the eighth annual Cesar Chavez Legacy Breakfast on Thursday morning. And it appeared no one went home disappointed. Thursday's event at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center was hosted by the Farm Worker Institute of Education and Leadership Development, or FIELD.
- [César Chávez Breakfast celebrates the legacy of the farm labor activist](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/cesar-chavez-breakfast-celebrates-the-legacy-of-the-farm-labor-activist/) - This article by Joshua Eyraud originally appeared on kget.com: BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Kern County community came together on Thursday, three days before the birthday of the late farm labor leader César Chávez. On March 28, the life and legacy of César Chávez was celebrated in downtown Bakersfield. The 8th annual César Chávez Breakfast
- ['Sí, se puede': FIELD hosts 8th annual Cesar Chavez Legacy Breakfast Thursday morning](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/si-se-puede-field-hosts-8th-annual-cesar-chavez-legacy-breakfast-thursday-morning/) - This article by Tony Salazar, Eyewitness News originally appeared on BakersfieldNow.com: Cesar Chavez Day is this Sunday, March 31, a U.S. federal commemorative holiday, but celebrations are beginning early to mark the celebration of what would have been Chavez's 97th birthday. The Farmworkers Institute of Education and Leadership Development, or FIELD, held its annual Cesar Chavez
- [Congratulations to Rudy Salas on Mar. 5 Primary Win](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/congratulations-to-rudy-salas/) - With a little help from his fans and supporters, former Assemblymember Rudy Salas, who spearheaded an $8 million budget allocation for FIELD last year, has won the Mar. 5 democratic primary in California’s 22nd Congressional District. Salas, who served in the CA Assembly for 10 years representing the Central Valley, will face off against incumbent
- [Join Us as We Celebrate Our Founder, Cesar Chavez, Mar. 28](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/march-message-from-the-president/) - Our annual Cesar Chavez Legacy Breakfast is just three weeks away and this year’s honorees represent our founder Cesar Chavez’s vision of “Empowering the underserved to be self-sufficient.” With your generous sponsorships, this year’s proceeds will go to furnishing the new dormitories under construction to house our un-housed young adult corps members. This transitional housing
- [Meet Chris Blood, Education Director for the Chavez Environmental Corp.](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/meet-chris-blood/) - Following a decade as a Trail Crew Foreman and Logistics Officer with the National Park Service and USDA Forest Service in the Sierra Nevada, then another decade as a college English professor in the Bay Area, Chris Blood joined FIELD in the Summer of 2022, bringing his considerable experience in education to the organization. He
- [FIELD Institute organizes GoFundMe for worker's dad killed in crash post-heart attack](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-institute-workers-dad-killed/) - FIELD Institute is organizing a GoFundMe for one of their employee’s 80-year-old father, Gregorio Beltrán, who died after suffering from a sudden heart attack on his way home from work. More from Bakersfield Now here. More from Univision here.
- [FIELD Expands Union Ave. Facility With Help of Federal Funds ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-expands-union-ave-facility-with-help-of-federal-funds/) - In good news for FIELD, we recently received funding from a Federal Tax Credit program that will help us renovate part of our headquarters at Union Ave. and give at least 16 of our unhoused Chavez Environmental Corps corpsmembers a place to live while they are working with us. It will also help us build
- [Meet Dave Weaver: The Chavez Environmental Corps’ Director is Committed to Reclaiming the Environment](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/meet-dave-weaver-the-chavez-environmental-corps-director-is-committed-to-reclaiming-the-environment/) - David Weaver brings years of experience in the California Conservation Corps to his job as Director of FIELD’s Environmental Corps job training program. He discusses his department’s mandate to train corpsmembers into restoring the natural environment, especially after wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters. Weaver spoke about his work, his love of nature, his dedication
- [FIELD Joins Water and Housing Activists to Demand Clean Water for Farmworkers in Sacramento on Jan. 16](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-joins-water-and-housing-activists-to-demand-clean-water-for-farmworkers-in-sacramento-on-jan-16/) - Over 400 water and housing justice advocates from a variety of organizations rallied at the state capital in Sacramento on Jan. 16 to call for action on clean water and affordable housing for central Valley farmworkers and other impacted communities.
- [‘Christmas Magic’ Comes Alive at FIELD’s 2nd Annual Toys 4 Tots Giveaway](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/christmas-magic-comes-alive-at-fields-2nd-annual-toys-4-tots-giveaway/) - Over 500 Families Get Toys & Clothing at Holiday Event By Runa Lemminn You could see the excitement on the faces of hundreds of children as they waited impatiently with their families for the 2nd annual FIELD Toy & Clothing Giveaway to begin. The line at FIELD headquarters on Union Ave. started early, with families
- [Oct/Nov 2021 FIELD News](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/oct-nov-newsletter-field-on-tv-more/) - FIELD October - November Newsletter is out!Click here to read Read it here:
- [FIELD Kicks off Giving Tuesday 2021](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/eyewitness-news-covers-8-million-expansion-grant-3/) - KGET Channel 17 - David Villarino, FIELD's President/CEO talks with Ilyana Capellan about new programs at FIELD and the kickoff to their #GivingTuesday campaign.
- [Extreme Heat Effects on Farmworkers](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/extreme-heat-effects-on-farmworkers/) - From Yahoo! News: Effects of extreme heat on farmworkers in the Coachella Valley expose the 'climate gap' Nomei Solórzano and her husband are agriculture workers in the Coachella Valley, a rift valley in the Colorado Desert, east of Los Angeles. Solórzano’s husband immigrated to the United States from El Salvador as a teenager, and she
- [Eyewitness News Covers $8 Million Expansion Grant](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/eyewitness-news-covers-8-million-expansion-grant/) - Click below to watch:
- [KGET-TV 17 Talks to David Villarino about Opportunities at FIELD](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/eyewitness-news-covers-8-million-expansion-grant-2/) - Click below to watch:
- [Introducing FIELD’s Cooperative Program](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/introducing-fields-cooperative-program/) - To kick off the new year, FIELD's Cooperative Program team has some exciting program advancements to share! With the support of the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation and the Blue Shield of California Foundation, the Cooperative Program team has embarked on the program's strategic planning process with the participation of FIELD partners and staff from different departments. This process is crucial
- [FIELD Welcomes $8M in State Funding](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-welcomes-state-funding/) - Our President/CEO David Villarino-González and the FIELD staff was joined by local government, education and business leaders at our event at the newly acquired S Union Ave CTE Training Center where Assemblyman Rudy Salas presented a novelty check to FIELD's president and CEO, David Villarino-Gonzalez. Members of the press joined for the event. Check out
- [FIELD Co-Sponsors Community Blood Drive](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-co-sponsors-community-blood-drive/) - FIELD's Cesar Chavez Environmental Corps {CCEC} teamed up with Houchin Blood Bank and Kiwanis for a community blood drive. The CCEC rolled up their sleeves and donated. It was the first time for some of our corpsmembers, but everyone's goal was to come together as a community and donate blood. Cesar Reveles said "I want
- [Teaching Water Management](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/teaching-water-management/) - FIELD Announces $5 Million Partnership with Cadiz Ranch Our President/CEO David Villarino-González shares how he envisions a day when rural communities can have clean drinking water and when crops can thrive through droughts or wet seasons."Cadiz Ranch and the Farmworkers Institute of Education & Leadership Development (FIELD)_ announced Thursday a $5 million partnership to set
- [Amazing Agricultural Innovations](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/amazing-agricultural-innovations/) - Read Mugglehead.com's fascinating article on the need for and latest developments in agricultural innovation.
- [Team Building](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/looking-back-on-a-terrific-year-5/) - Mental health is a big issue for many of our students. Some of our young adult 18-26-year-olds, like in FIELD’s Environmental Conservation Corps, have experienced different types of traumas, which has impacted their ability to take advantage of opportunities presented to them. Some have had to drop out of school for reasons beyond their control. Most
- [Graduations, Inspiration, Triumphs and More!](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/looking-back-on-a-terrific-year-4/) - We’re off to a busy summer at FIELD starting with 150 graduates taking the stage last month in Bakersfield and some of our surrounding campuses. It’s always so inspiring to hear the stories of resilience and hope that our graduates and their families share at these celebrations. One graduate who spoke talked about her seven
- [Good News for Fall – Grants, Honors, Back to School](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/looking-back-on-a-terrific-year-3/) - As summer comes to an end, our schools are now back in session, offering our students a new season full of opportunity and hope. We’ve been busy at FIELD the past few months planning the coming year and we have a lot of good news to share. Our classroom capacity is expanding. Because transportation is such a barrier to our students
- [You're Invited: Holiday Toy and Clothing Giveaway](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/youre-invited-holiday-toy-and-clothing-giveaway/) - It’s the Season for Giving Back. We hope you can join FIELD and our community partners for our second annual Holiday Toy & Clothing Giveaway on Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 3-6 pm. Santa and his elves will be on hand to distribute toys to the children and community members can select new and gently used coats, socks
- [Meet Steve Watkins: Fire Program Manager Dedicated to Empowering FIELD’S Corpsmembers](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/meet-steve-watkins-fire-program-manager-dedicated-to-empowering-fields-corps-members/) - By Kelly Hartog Steven Watkins comes to FIELD’s Fire Program following a 33-year career as a Battalion Chief for the Bureau of Land Management and as an Interagency Incident commander. After retiring from BLM, he joined FIELD in January 2023 as the Fire Program Manager and Acting Natural Resources Manager. Watkins was instrumental in helping
- [Univision Noticia - FIELD EPIC High School, Southern Region](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/univision-noticia-field-epic-high-school-southern-region/) - Univision highlights our EPIC de Cesar Chavez Charter High School program in Cathedral City. Check it out and if you are in need of your high school diploma, visit our website to enroll today!
- [FIELD’S EPIC Charter High Schools Receive Healthy Meals Incentives Grant](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/fields-epic-charter-high-schools-receive-healthy-meals-incentives-grant/) - BAKERSFIELD, CA: FIELD is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $150,000 Healthy Meals Incentives grant from Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK), to support its efforts to create kitchen facilities at its Union Avenue property, which will allow students at its EPIC de Cesar Chavez charter high schools for adults to receive healthy,
- [EPIC Schools Receive $100,000 Kitchen Equipment Grant for Union Avenue Site ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/epic-schools-receive-100000-kitchen-equipment-grant-for-union-avenue-site/) - By Kelly Hartog FIELD’s Epic High School for adults operates at over 22 sites in California with little to no kitchen equipment to feed its students or support its nutrition classes. But now, thanks to a $100,000 grant from the California Department of Education, FIELD will be able to build out a fully equipped kitchen
- [FIELD and Kern County Fire Department Sign MOU Three Years in the Making](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-and-kern-county-fire-department-sign-mou-three-years-in-the-making/) - Si Se Puede! FIELD is thrilled to announce that on June 14 a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was finally signed between FIELD and the Kern County Fire Department (KCFD). FIELD’S CTE Fire Manager Steve Watkins was instrumental in finalizing the agreement, which was signed by FIELD President and CEO David Villarino and Kern County Fire
- [An Evening of Triumph and Accomplishment at Indio’s EPIC High School Graduation](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/an-evening-of-triumph-and-accomplishment-at-indios-epic-high-school-graduation/) - By Kelly Hartog Cheered on by their friends and family, 15 proud adult students took the stage at FIELD’s EPIC de Cesar High School graduation in Coachella on June 14, where they were congratulated by keynote speaker, Indio Mayor, Oscar Ortiz. The two graduate student speakers–Sonia Araceli Torres Felix and Jay Oliver Sese–spoke passionately
- [Bakersfield Celebrates as 46  EPIC High School Graduates Take the Stage](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/bakersfield-celebrates-as-46-epic-high-school-graduates-take-the-stage/) - By Steve Virgen Photos By Joe Bergman Photography The 46 adult graduates of the EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School appeared nervous and excited as they waited to enter the Bakersfield College indoor theater on the evening of Saturday, June 17. Then, as “Pomp and Circumstance” played in the background , they walked in, smiling
- [FIELD’S EPIC de Cesar Chavez 2023 Upcoming High School Graduations](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/fields-epic-de-cesar-chavez-2023-upcoming-high-school-graduations/) - FIELD is excited to join with close to 150 graduates across the state this June to celebrate them receiving their well-deserved high school diplomas. Ceremonies will be held at the following times and places: Wednesday, June 14 - IndioCeremony: 6 p.m. Graduates arrive: 4 p.m.City of Coachella Corporate Yard, (Upstairs) 53462 Enterprise Way, Unit 1, Coachella,
- [FIELD Opens Helen Chavez Early Childhood Education Center in Tehachapi](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-opens-helen-chavez-early-childhood-education-center-in-tehachapi/) - By Christopher Blood FIELD unveiled its brand-new Helen Chavez Early Childhood Education Center in Tehachapi on Wednesday, April 26. The turnout was excellent and included FIELD leadership, Tehachapi ECE Center teachers and staff, parents and children, elected officials and Chamber of Commerce members.Community members and local children officially opened the Center with the cutting of
- [Meet Vanessa Gutierrez: Director of Student Services for FIELD ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/meet-vanessa-gutierrez-director-of-student-services-for-field/) - By Kelly Hartog The Farmworkers Institute of Education and Leadership Development (FIELD) prides itself on its free WASC accredited charter high school program — the EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School, which allows adults to earn their high school diplomas. Over the past five years, over 1,000 students have graduated from EPIC. This June, almost 150
- [Meet Gustavo Olvera: Giving Back as FIELD’s Director of Workforce Development](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/meet-gustavo-olvera/) - Workforce Development Director talks about his job training program designed to give young adults a leg up As a police officer, Gustavo Olvera spent 20 years trying to put people behind bars. Now he does what he can to keep them out of prison. Once he retired from law enforcement in 2018, Olvera was searching
- [Meet Andres Lopez: Recycling Director Helps Channel Nex Gen’s Goals to Self Sufficiency ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/meet-andres-lopez-recycling-director/) - Recycling Director talks about FIELD’s program designed to improve the environment and the lives of young adults in underserved communities Seventeen years ago, all Andres Lopez knew about recycling was that he could return bottles for five cents a pop. Then, one meeting with an HR person led to him getting a job in conservation
- [FIELD Joins in Historic Partnership on Clean Water, Jobs and Economic Development for Desert Tribal, Farmworker Communities ](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-joins-in-historic-parnership/) - On January 10, 2023 FIELD announced an historic agreement to form a joint venture with a federally-recognized Native American tribe and a private land owner that will generate water, jobs and economic development in tribal and farmworker communities in California. This collaboration is the first known strategic business partnership between a Native American tribe and
- [FIELD President and CEO David Villarino sits down with Jorge Contreras, Manager of Financing at NFF](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/field-president-sits-down-with-jorge-contreras/) - Cesar's goal when he founded FIELD was to inspire California’s rural workforce to gain self-sufficiency through employee-owned enterprises. “When we talk about self-sufficiency, what we're really talking about is rural communities – immigrant communities – prospering both economically and socially,” says David Villarino-Gonzalez, President and CEO, FIELD. As FIELD works to continues our mission to

## Pages

- [Home](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/) - Programs Designed For YOU FIELD has developed programs to help you get ahead in your life and your career. We feature ongoing educational, job training and entrepreneurial programs tailored to working adults. Click on links below to find out more. EDUCATION EPIC High School Get your diploma, learn job skills, apply to college. The sky’s
- [FIELD Board of Directors & EPIC Board of Trustees](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/our-board-2/) - 2025 Monthly Board Meeting Calendar Upcoming Board Meetings Date Notice Agenda May 18, 2026 Board Meeting Archives 2026 Agendas Minutes January 16, 2026 FIELD/EPIC Agenda Minutes February 23, 2026 FIELD/EPIC Agenda Minutes March 13, 2026 FIELD/EPIC Agenda Minutes 2025 Agendas Minutes January 15, 2025 FIELD AgendaEPIC Agenda FIELD MinutesEPIC Minutes February 10, 2025 FIELD/EPIC Agenda
- [EPIC High School](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/epic-high-school/) - REGISTER TODAY! Find Out What a High School Diploma Can Do For You! EPIC High School: Free Tuition. Designed For Working Adults. EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School is a FREE, fully-accredited charter high school designed for working adults looking to earn their high school diploma or a certificate of completion in a career track of
- [CESAR CHAVEZ ENVIRONMENTAL CORPS (CCEC)](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/ccec/) - About the Chavez Environmental Corps The Cesar Chavez Environmental Corps (CCEC), or the Chavez Corps, is FIELD's state certified local conservation corps that was established in 2017. CCEC receives its certification from the California Conservation Corps, a state agency, that allows FIELD to operate throughout the state of California. CCEC is a workforce development program
- [Request For Proposals](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/rfp-2/) - FIELD follows a transparent and competitive procurement process to ensure responsible use of public funds and equitable opportunities for vendors and contractors. The process outlined below applies to the submission of a Requests for Proposal (RFP) for services needed by FIELD and ensures fairness, transparency, and alignment with FIELD’s mission to serve underserved communities through
- [Resources](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/resources/) - Helpful Resources for You Immigration Preparedness Toolkit This handy toolkit – in English and Spanish -- from the non-profit Immigrant Legal Resource Center (IRLC), will give you many of the tools you need to help you understand the legal landscape and helps you understand your rights. Know Your Rights Red Cards/Tarjetas Rojas You have rights
- [Contact Us](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/contact-us-2/) - Want to connect with us? Please let us know what program or programs you are interested in: EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School, Cesar Chavez Environmental Corps, Career Technical Education, Work Experience, or Volunteering with FIELD. You can also request a student services counselor to call you back to help you figure it out. Your
- [FIELD EVENTS](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/events-2/) - JUNE 2025 EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School Graduation Dates Announced Below! Be sure to join us in celebrating and showing how proud we are of our amazing students! Stay connected and celebrate with us — subscribe to be the first to hear about our upcoming community, cultural, and family events! Every year, FIELD proudly
- [Donate Now](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/donate-now/) - Our Core Purpose: Empowering the Underserved to Become Self-Sufficient Help Transform a Life Today Your tax-deductible donation allows us to transform lives and fight the economic and educational gaps in the communities we serve. Since 2002, FIELD has trained and educated tens of thousands of workers to become self-sufficient in the jobs of the future.
- [Register for Classes](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/register-for-classes/)
- [HR](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/hr/) - ABOUT FIELD HUMAN RESOURCES At the Farmworkers Institute of Education & Leadership Development (FIELD), the Human Resources department plays a vital role in supporting our mission of empowering underserved communities to achieve economic and social prosperity. Our Human Resources department strives to ensure that FIELD remains compliant with legal and regulatory standards, minimizes organizational risk,
- [About FIELD](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/about-us/) - FIELD Overview FIELD Overview Our Supporters and Our Partners Farmworkers Institute of Education & Leadership Development is proud to work with a variety of supporters and partners to achieve our Core Purpose of empowering the underserved to be self-sufficient. From program sponsorships through grants to strategic partnerships, FIELD finds collaborative opportunities to work with educational
- [2024 Cesar Chavez Legacy Breakfast](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/2024-cesar-chavez-legacy-breakfast/)
- [ESL & ELD Classes](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/esl/) - Learn English as a Second Language – FREE ESL & ELD Classes Want to finally learn English? Get the skills to help you communicate effectively and advance in your job? FIELD offers FREE ESL and ELD classes especially designed for working adults. Our classes are fully accredited through local community colleges. Class Details Five days a
- [Nutrition Services](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/nutrition-services/) - Feed Your Community’s Soul with Nutritional Services EPIC de Cesar Chavez believes that for students to have the opportunity to achieve personal, academic, developmental, and social success, we need to create a positive, safe, and health-promoting learning environment at every level and in every setting and that means healthy nutrition. Wellness Policy FIELD-EPIC developed a Wellness
- [Career Technical Education (CTE)](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/cte/) - Change Your Life with New Career Options in FIELD’s Career Technical Education FIELD’s Career Technical Education (CTE) program prepares students for the changing workforce by providing you with skills in exciting career option pathways like Early Childhood Education, Business Management, Recycling, Agriculture and Natural Resources. FIELD goes beyond teaching you the skills you would receive
- [News](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/news/)
- [Inscríbase en Las Clases en Español](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/register-for-classes-in-espanol/)
- [Donation Failed](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/donation-failed/) - We're sorry, your donation failed to process. Please try again or contact site support.
- [Donation Confirmation](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/donation-confirmation/)
- [Donor Dashboard](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/donor-dashboard/)
- [Events](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/events/) - [add_eventon_list number_of_months="12" hide_empty_months=”yes” ]

## Donation Forms

- [Donation Form](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/donations/donation-form/)

## Elements

- [Page Title](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/?kadence_element=page-title) - News

## Categories

- [News](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/category/news/)
- [Message From The President](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/category/message-from-the-president/)

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- [Rudy Salas](https://farmworkersinstitute.org/tag/rudy-salas/)
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