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This high school, home of the Tigers, is close to abundant agricultural career opportunities and lush farming operations that contribute to the California economy. Trade and agricultural education offerings are a key part of the curriculum available to students to help prepare them for successful careers.

Tim Fay, Industrial Technology Department Chair at SLO High School, leads the welding and manufacturing classes offered to all students, introducing them to the art of welding and preparing them to obtain a welding certification. Welding is an essential craft in many industries, and the demand for skilled, qualified welders is at an all-time high. However, necessary training, expertise and the cost of the certification can be a barrier to entry for someone starting a career in this field. Tim’s program at SLO High School helps bridge that gap.

Two years ago, the San Luis Coastal School District completed a major facility upgrade for the welding classroom, significantly expanding the square footage and electrical capabilities. With the upgrades, the SLO High School Industrial Technology department envisioned adding ten new multi-process welding stations and one 400 amp TIG welding station to the facility. The new equipment would help prepare students to take the industry certification immediately after graduation. However, the capital needed to purchase the machines is steep. One multi-process welder can cost over $4,000, and an industry-certified TIG welder is $16,000.

This funding need was identified and elevated by Paula Dooley, owner of Stephen Ross Cellars in San Luis Obispo. Paula serves as a local advisor with AgWest Farm Credit and has had two children attend SLO High School, one of whom was an avid four-year welding student. Paula credits Tim with showing her son that there are multiple paths towards becoming an engineer.

“Mr. Fay is a fantastic teacher, mentor and role model for these welding kids.” said Paula. “When I heard about the stewardship program, I reached out to him to see if he was interested in applying to the Local Advisory Committee (LAC) Guided Stewardship Program, given the service he provides to students at the school and the dependence on welding that agriculture has.”

Representatives from AgWest present check to SLO High School

The application was accepted, and AgWest awarded $64,000 to the SLO High School Industrial Technology department to purchase all the new machines that they had envisioned.

“These funds significantly increased access and improved the welding students’ ability to use state of the art equipment in class, making them more employable upon graduation,” continued Paula. “As an AgWest customer, I like to see investment in our local communities, as it reinforces the close and respectful relationships AgWest has with its borrowers, communities and agricultural businesses. This isn’t your ordinary ‘bank’.”

AgWest’s LAC Guided Stewardship Program is directed by AgWest customers, like Paula, who live in and understand the needs of rural communities. These local advisors serve as liaisons between AgWest and their customers and communities, and they help ensure stewardship investments will help rural communities thrive. In 2023, AgWest donated $2.5 million to 40 organizations across its territory as a part of the LAC Guided Stewardship Program. “We are thrilled about the opportunities this grant will provide, enabling us to enhance our program and equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the field,” Tim said. “I believe the impact of this grant will help us to cultivate skilled professionals and contribute to the growth of our community for years to come.”

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