Last spring, Research and Extension Centers (RECs) were encouraged to submit proposals for the statewide Growing Tomorrows Professionals with Today’s Experiences Intern Program. The purpose is threefold: give students real life experience working in a REC facility; engage in hands-on research or outreach projects; ignite a spark leading to future studies or careers in agriculture and/or natural resources.

We are pleased to announce that UC HAREC was selected to participate and proud to introduce Lauren Martinez, one of two summer 2013 statewide interns. Lauren graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in International Studies and a minor in Spanish. She completed her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and is currently working towards a Masters in Education at California Lutheran University. Lauren is passionate about education and working with youth. She works as a swim instructor and coach at the Family YMCA in Ventura and Santa Paula and was the assistant coach for Ventura High School Girls Cross Country. Her education experiences include substitute teaching for Moorpark Unified and a position as a physical education specialist at Ventura Charter School. She believes strongly in an active healthy lifestyle and individual, hands-on education for all youth.

We are thrilled to have Lauren on board this summer. She will work closely with Center Director, Jose De Soto and Education Outreach Coordinator, Susana Bruzzone-Miller developing a, water themed, youth field trip program targeting 4-6^th graders. The project will take about 8 weeks to complete and slated to be implemented spring 2014 as part of the 4-H Field Trip Program on the farm. Interns will deliver virtual presentations of their projects to other RECs at the end of summer. We are confident Lauren will develop lessons and activities that make science and agriculture exciting for Ventura County youth.