26 Hours Event

Cal Poly’s annual 26 Hours event, hosted by Latinos in Agriculture (LIA), welcomed high school students from across the Central Coast for a two-day immersive experience introducing them to college life and opportunities within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. The program fosters a supportive, inclusive environment by connecting participants with current Cal Poly students, faculty and industry professionals through workshops, panels and interactive sessions. 

As part of the workshop, student leaders guided participants through a hands-on activity exploring the wide range of careers involved in producing agricultural commodities. 

Working in groups, students mapped out the process behind different products, collaborating with and learning directly from agricultural business students about their experiences at Cal Poly. 

“It was incredibly rewarding to see students collaborating and sharing ideas with each other at 26 Hours,” said Yadira Padilla, a third-year agricultural business major and dairy science minor. “We also had the chance to share our own experiences at Cal Poly and the opportunities it has given us while showing them ways they can play a meaningful role in agriculture.”

 

Read more stories in Ag Biz Buzz Spring 2026.