FIELD - Farmworkers Institute of Education and Leadership Development

David Villarino our President/CEO did a live interview with KGET-17 in Bakersfield to talk about our recent graduations.  FIELD carries out a mission through a continuum of educational and workforce development programs that assist underserved communities in achieving empowerment, self-sufficiency, and a better quality of life.  

With graduation day approaching quickly for our EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School, our students are excited and proud of their accomplishments. This is what Guadalupe Castro from Salinas Ca. said about his journey and the EPIC program. "First I want to thank God and the FIELD EPIC program for giving me the opportunity to complete this chapter of my life. A chapter I should have completed 21 years ago. It was a long journey of struggles and effort, but in the end, I made it. I'm 40 years old, I'm graduating high school and I'm getting a high school diploma. I'm proud of myself for not giving up this time as I did may years ago. It was difficult working in the fields and going to school right after work. My family would wait for me after school to have dinner together. It was especially difficult not having time for my children, between wor and school I was tired at the end of the day, but I knew I was doing this for a better future for me and my family.  I want to th...

Creating an Impact in Many Fields By David Villarino Gonzalez As we strive to develop a replacement workforce to continue supporting California ’s economy , the Farmworkers Institute of Education & Leadership Development ( FIELD ) is committed to uplifting the economic prospects of our underserved populations in poor, minority communities. Whether it is developing skills to fight devastating wildfires, combating the negative effects of climate change, or fostering the use of clean energy, FIELD is making a difference in the quality of life for all Californians. FIELD helps individuals and families overcome educational and societal barriers by equipping them to participate productively in the California economy. FIELD’s mission is to promote economic and social prosperity in  underserved communities throughout California by providing educational, occupational and life skills. Founded by Civil rights leader Cesar E. Chavez in 1978, our non-profit organization offers a continuum o...

  Maria Valdovinos, a hardworking administrator, and mother, is on her way to taking the next step in her educational journey. As a current student of EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School, Mrs. Valdovinos plans to graduate this quarter and is looking forward to her bright new future. Mrs. Valdovinos was born in Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico.  Her father was a cattle rancher and her mother owned a small produce store. Even though her parents didn’t make a lot of money, they both worked extremely hard to provide for their families. Maria gets her strong sense of family and her work ethic from her parents. Maria went to school up to the 5th grade in Mexico. She quit school because she did not like seeing her mother have to work. She stayed home to help with the household and give the family support. She came to the US when she was 18 years old despite her mother's wishes. Her mother was worried that something would happen to her in a new country all alone.  She wanted to come to ...

  Marlen Bautista is another one of our students to make the list for Student of the month. Marlen attends our EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School in Merced Ca. She was chosen by her teacher Ms. Bernadette De Salles and the teachers aide Mr. Ian Moore. "She has consistently produced excellent work and commitment to attending classes, despite working long hours as a tractor operator in the fields." Said Mr. Moore. In May Marlen completed two cyber high classes US History Unit #7 & #8 getting 96% & 88% respectively. Along with Ventures #2 Unit #7 & Unit #8 tests achieving 95% & 100%.  Congratulations Marlen on achieving great things no matter the obstacles.  Its an indication of her charity that she shares her photo with her daughter. Her commitment and dedication are an inspiration for us all. 

The city of Tehachapi had a symbolic ceremony today for its local small businesses in honor of the states reopening. The city hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Green Street and all the local businesses attended. Each business was provided a symbolic ribbon they cut symbolizing their open for business again in Tehachapi.  Our FIELD Administrative office team attended the celebration.  "Many small businesses have struggles to make it through the past year with all of the restrictions put in place by the state. We need to celebrate life returning to normal and let everyone know that Tehachapi is open" Said Greg Garrett, City Manager.   

One of EPIC's core values is "Opportunity"...to give the opportunity to others to make their dreams a reality. Reyna Vargas de Alvarez took her opportunity and enrolled in our EPIC high school in Atwater Ca. Join us in congratulating Reyna. She was nominated by her teacher Bernadette De Salles for May Student of the Month. In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought learning to a screeching halt worldwide, creating the most severe global education disruption in history. Our students faced difficult times and switching to virtual learning became a challenge. It was a big change for educators, students, and their families. During this time, although difficult, Reyna continued working hard and taking advantage of all the opportunities she had to reach her goal. "I chose Reyna for Student of the Month because she is fearless. I say she is fearless because she has a confidence that shows in how she carries herself. I am sure that she has her moments of insecurities, but ...

 Recycling helps keep plastics out of the ocean and reduces the amount of "new" plastic in circulation. Call our FIELD Recycle team at 661-527-6003, your local recycling center, about the types of plastic FIELD Recycle accepts.  Today is World Ocean Day. World Oceans Day is celebrated on June 8th to remind us of the important role of the oceans in sustaining our livelihoods and the necessity to prevent them from destruction.  According to the United Nations {UN}, oceans are the lungs of our planet and a major source of food and medicine, and a critical part of the biosphere.  Fun fact: The Indian Ocean is the warmest ocean in the world.  Due to the ongoing pandemic, World Oceans Day 2021 is set to be celebrated with a virtual event by the UN. With a pledge to preserve the oceans, this year, World Ocean Day is based on the theme 'The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods'. To learn more about Ocean day and join the virtual celebration, follow the link https://unworldoceans...

Jerlean always wanted to get her high school diploma but always feared the judgment of dropping out. She was a young mother at 16. She drove by our EPIC high school in Cal City several times but never went in.  Ms. Carney said, "I used to see the students outside the building and think I can't go to that school. I was concerned about the way people would judge me. After two years of driving by the school and talking to those hanging out in front, I met a student who was part of the Cesar Chavez Environmental Corps’ (CCEC) KSACC program (Kern Service & Conservation Program). I realized the great work FIELD (Farmworker Institute of Education and Leadership Development) was doing for my community. I was intrigued. He convinced me to enroll to get my high school diploma." CCEC runs various projects which serve the community, such as emergency food distribution, assisting the Office of Emergency Services, and fire preparedness. The programs focus on education, the environm...

  Join us in recognizing our committed employee Maria G. Flores. She joined FIELD in 2017 as a Student Service Coordinator. After discovering she had an AA and BA she joined our ESL team and became the substitute teacher. Shortly after she became a teacher's assistant for our EPIC de Cesar Chavez high school in Tulare Ca.  Maria, was born and raised in Jalisco Mexico and moved to the US when she was 12 years old. After 3 years she moved back to Mexico and returned the US to finish high school in Tipton Ca. After graduating high school she received her AA in Liberal Arts from College of the Sequoias. She attended Fresno State University where she received her BA in Liberal Arts. She is currently working on getting her teaching credentials and her Masters.  Maria always wanted to be a teacher and wanted to teach children under 8 years old, but working with FIELD teaching adults changed what she really wanted to do. Most importantly help her community understand the importan...

Jose Martin, 46, will be graduating this June from EPIC High School, a FIELD Institute program which provides adult learners an opportunity to receive their high school diplomas. He was nervous about taking on the combined demands of school, work, and family, but his friend in the FIELD ESL program inspired him.  "I would encourage everyone, no matter the age, to get their high school diploma. Our biggest enemy is fear, fear that we can't do it. We need to believe in ourselves. It's difficult, but not impossible, and so well worth it. Si Se Puede!" said Jose as he shared his excitement approaching his graduation day.  He has worked in construction for the past 21 years and has dreams of working for the city as an inspector and foundation specialist. Jose is from Jiquilpan, Michoacan, Mexico. However, he lived in both the US and Mexico while his father worked in the fields. He is the oldest of three siblings, and the family struggled with finances and his father's ...