Local careers in math and science on display as Algebra Academy students visit Driscoll’s research facility
Kevin Jeffery, Graniterock Vice President
831-768-2103
Frances Dillard, Driscoll’s Marketing Director
831-763-3295
WATSONVILLE – How do entomologists use bugs to produce pesticide-free strawberries? What’s the chemistry behind the flavor of your favorite blackberry?
The answers to these questions and more will be front and center as Driscoll’s partners with the Graniterock-sponsored Bruce W. Woolpert Algebra Academy to offer 100 local middle school students a first-hand look at how the math and science they’re learning today can translate into an opportunity-filled career in agricultural science with a thriving locally-based company.
Driscoll’s will host about 100 Algebra Academy students from seven middle schools in Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at its Cassin Ranch research facility on Silliman Road in Watsonville.
Following up on their opportunity to hear from construction engineers and environmental biologists during their August immersion week at Graniterock, these Algebra Academy students will have a chance to perform their own berry flavor tests and bug examinations as describe how math fits into their careers as Driscoll’s plant science researchers lead them through the Company’s berry breeding facility.
This hands-on Driscoll’s field trip is part of the year-long Algebra Academy program, designed to inspire local middle school students to achieve in math, pursue college after high school graduation, and then go on to work in math and science-related fields in our local communities.
The middle schools participating in the Nov. 8 field trip are E.A. Hall, Rolling Hills, Pajaro, Aromas School, San Juan School, Rancho San Justo and Tres Pinos School.
About Graniterock: Graniterock is a private construction company founded on Feb. 14, 1900. Based in Watsonville, Graniterock has operations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Coast. The company supplies high-quality construction materials, and operates a construction division specializing in heavy civil engineering projects such as major highways, airports and private commercial and residential projects.
About Driscoll’s: Driscoll’s is the global market leader of fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll’s is passionate about growing great tasting berries. Driscoll’s exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods. Driscoll’s is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries ™.
