Bakersfield College hosted the 2024 KCHCC Energy and AG Academy Graduation on Nov. 22. The Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosts the Energy and AG Academy every year to allow students to get hands on experience and knowledge on our booming industries in Kern County.
President/CEO of the KCHCC, Jimmi Tamsi, created this program with a vison. He stated over a decade ago, the oil industry took a big hit and was concerned about families in the oil industry, so he decided to do something about it.
With his vision coming to life, the Business Education Foundation from the KCHCC ensures it stays alive. The program consisted of various tours in the oil fields, a nursery, the San Joaquin Refinery, and the manufacturing facility for Halo.
The program facilitator, Jennifer Van Alstein, ensured the program went smoothly and gave thanks to Tamsi for setting this program up and for all the work done behind the scenes.
47 students were in attendance and received a certificate of completion, medal, stipend, and a variety of swag from the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Many CEO’s, VP’s, and directors of many local businesses were all in attendance for support and networking. Van Alstein emphasized the importance of this academy by stating, “you cannot get this amount of exposure outside of the academy”.
Student speakers then came on stage to give an inspiring speech. Ariana Perez, BC Student, stressed the privilege it is to be part of this program, expressing they are, “one step closer for bettering our future- that’s what we all have in common”.
Other big names in attendance were Mayor Karen Goh, Kim Salas, and KCCD Trustee Romeo Agbalog. Agbalog gave a speech exerting the importance of Kern County’s industries stating, “We feed, we fuel, we defend the nation”.
The presenting sponsor, Megan Lopez with Chevron, thanked the students for their participation and said, “Now that you know all about our industries, be an advocate- share what you’ve learned with others”.
This academy is open to all BC students, and they are encouraged to apply to be part of next year’s cohort.
