Veteran’s Agricultural Learning – Opportunities & Resources (VALOR) Program
Program Details
What is it?
The Veteran’s Agricultural Learning – Opportunities & Resources (VALOR) Program provides education and hands-on experience for veterans in preparation for employment in the agriculture industry. The curriculum will help veterans develop a portfolio of skills relevant to present and future urban agriculture opportunities.
Who can apply?
Any veteran from any branch of service can apply.
How many people will be accepted?
During this first year of the program we will be accepting six veterans.
On what criteria are applicants accepted?
The VALOR Program Selection Committee will be reviewing all the applications and essays for those six veterans who are the best match for the Program.
How do I apply?
Contact the Farmer-Veteran Coalition to obtain an application. Email them at [email protected] or call them at (530) 756-1395.
The VALOR Program is comprised of two distinct components:
1. Classroom Instruction and Field Work at the Orange County Great Park – 800 hours
- Instruction at the Orange County Great Park and Brandman University
- Intern status with the City of Irvine and earn $13.50 per hour for 800 hours
- Field work at the 105-acre Great Park Farm and the three-acre VALOR Farm, and various farms in Orange County
2. Field Work at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy
- Field work on the Irvine Ranch Conservancy land near the Orange County Great Park
Program Components
- 8 month program, beginning Monday, September 10, 2012 through Mid-May 2013
- 800 hours of paid internship with the City of Irvine
- 12 core sections of study
- A.G. Kawamura, Former Secretary for the California Department of Food & Agriculture, is the main instructor
- Orange County Farm Bureau and other industry professionals to provide instruction and mentorship
- 30 Continuing Education Units
- Certificate of Completion from Brandman University, part of the Chapman University System
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