Foundation for California Community Colleges

Project Title: California Resilient Careers in Forestry
Region (applicant-defined)/State(s) or territory served: Northern Interior California
Phase (applicant-defined): System Development
Award Amount: $21,464,202
Key Industry / Industries: Forestry and Fire Safety
Contact: Jeffrey Clary, Senior Director, Climate Strategies, [email protected]
Project Narrative (applicant submitted) (PDF)
View Press Release
Summary:
In direct response to the wildfire crisis that threatens communities across the state of California, the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FCCC) will partner with industry and leading educational institutions to scale a statewide infrastructure for training in forest health and fire safety. FCC will partner with employers from across the state including Mountain Enterprises, PG&E, and Arbor Works. The emerging forestry and fire safety sector has the potential to grow into a $39 billion industry, yet there are currently projected shortages of thousands of workers for relevant well-paying jobs with benefits, including but not limited to fire and forestry crew leads, conservation scientists, and U.S. Forest Service crew members. By working to recruit, support and train local communities in partnership with multiple Hispanic-serving institutions, Indigenous-led partners and other local community-based organizations, the project will expand the industry’s talent pool and diversify the field.

The project narrative included above is what was submitted by the applicants. The final EDA-approved scope of work may differ.