Thomas College in Waterville announced plans to expand its Preferred Education Partnership program to include employees of Winslow-based Johnny’s Selected Seeds. Here, seasonal employees pack seed orders in Winslow in 2018. Morning Sentinel file

WATERVILLE — Thomas College is partnering with a world-renowned agriculture business in Winslow to provide both company employees and college students more educational opportunities.

The 275 employees of Johnny’s Selected Seeds, an employee-owned seed producer based in Winslow, will receive one free course credit from Thomas College and a 10% discount on tuition for all other courses in their program.

Johnny’s, internationally recognized for its plant breeding program located at 955 Benton Ave. in Winslow, is now one of about 20 organizations taking part in Thomas’ Preferred Education Partnership program.

Through the program, Thomas College students link with businesses and organizations across New England to provide additional education for both college students and company employees, according to Mikaela Ziobro, director of graduate and professional studies at Thomas.

“This partnership allows us to combine our expertise with Thomas College’s innovative educational programs, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to advance in their careers,” Ziobro said this week in a news release.

College students will be provided with a hands-on experience with sustainable agriculture through the program, Johnny’s Selected Seeds HR Director Kurt Webster said in the release.

“Together, we aim to foster a culture of sustainability and innovation, ensuring a thriving future for our central Maine communities,” Webster said.

Johnny’s has been selling seeds and plants since its founding in 1973, utilizing traditional farming and breeding techniques at the company’s research farm in Albion, where it grows every seed variety sold at the store. The company has been 100% employee-owned since 2006, when its founder Rob Johnston Jr. and his wife sold their shares to their employees.

The Preferred Education Partnership began in 2022 and other Maine-based companies taking part include Sappi, Hannaford and MaineGeneral Health.