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More than 70 high school students in southeastern North Carolina, including 11 from Duplin County Schools, were recently recognized for completing the Southeastern Education and Economic Development (SEED) Program. This career exploration initiative focuses on agriculture and advanced manufacturing.
The registered pre-apprenticeship program provided participants with hands-on experience, industry-recognized credentials and real-world job training. In Duplin County, students took part in the summer Agricultural Academy hosted by James Sprunt Community College.
The recognition ceremony, held at the University of Mount Olive, celebrated the students’ accomplishments and included participants from five community colleges: Wilson, Lenoir, Wayne, Sampson, and James Sprunt. Each student received a certificate of completion acknowledging their achievements.
Educators, industry partners and community leaders gathered to honor the students and highlight the program’s role in preparing a skilled local workforce by aligning talent development with employer needs.
Funded by Smithfield Foods and supported by the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, SEED connects public schools, community colleges and local employers. This collaboration creates a talent pipeline to support future workforce needs.
“Smithfield is committed to investing in the future of agriculture and manufacturing by equipping young people with the skills and experiences they need to thrive,” said Jay Bennett, chief human resources officer for Smithfield Foods. “Through our support of the SEED program, we’re building meaningful partnerships with communities and helping students discover rewarding career paths that strengthen our industry and workforce.”
Through this collaborative effort, students gained vital exposure to future career pathways in agriculture, with the added support of stipends, transportation and supplies to reduce barriers to participation.
“Smithfield’s support helped bring this vision to life, giving students real-world experience in careers with long-term potential – right here in their home communities,” said Julia Wright, Board Chair of North Carolina Business Committee for Education. “We’re proud to recognize their dedication and growth through this program.”
