Shasta College Receives $3.3M For Expansion of Forest Health Programs

REDDING, CA – Shasta College will receive $3.3M as part of a 4-year statewide “Careers in Forestry” partnership to expand forestry and fire-safety training programs throughout Northern California. The Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) is the lead agency for the total grant amount of $21.5 million awarded by the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration. The proposal, “California Resilient Careers in Forestry,” will coordinate and expand forestry and fire-safety training programs in northeastern California’s Sierra Nevada and Cascade regions. Shasta College is one of eight regional hub partners working with the FoundationCCC on implementing this grant for the Shasta-Trinity-Tehama region.

Shasta College will leverage the $3.3M award from this grant to expand existing programs in logging, truck driving, and other forest-health-related programs. In addition, the grant money will help to provide additional student support staff, expand the infrastructure needed for the logging apprenticeship program, and improve access for students entering the forest sector, among other initiatives.

On receiving the award news, Superintendent/President Dr. Joe Wyse reflected that “this award is really about scaling up and expanding our existing programs as a result of the State’s investment in the development of our HELO certificate program through CAL FIRE’s Forest Health program. We are so thankful for our industry partners’ advice, resources, and expertise, which have helped position Shasta College as a leader in Forest Health education, training, and support for this critical industry.”

The award announcement spurred industry partners to comment on what this award means and the successful industry partnership with Shasta College.

“Sierra Pacific Industries is proud to support the Statewide Resilient Careers in Forestry Initiative. With the risk of catastrophic wildfires at an all-time high, it is imperative to have a skilled workforce doing the important on-the-groundwork to improve the resiliency of California’s forests. This regional training program is vital to building the workforce that is critically needed to protect the benefits derived from healthy, resilient forests: wildlife habitat, clean air and water, recreation, sustainable forest products, and strong rural economies and communities,” explains Andrea Howell, Corporate Affairs Director at Sierra Pacific Industries.

“I have been personally involved with the college advisory committees throughout the design, development, and implementation of Shasta College’s HELO, CRAFT, and FIRST SEAT programs. Shasta College’s programs are designed to build workforce capacity in our industry and provide opportunity for livable wage jobs for our region,” shares Delbert Gannon, owner of Creekside Logging and Past-President of Sierra Cascade Logging Conference.

To learn more about the Good Jobs Challenge Grant and the “California Resilient Careers in Forestry” proposal, please refer to the FoundationCCC’s press release.

Shasta College is a community college and the only public post-secondary institution in a 10,132 square mile three county area (Shasta, Tehama, and Trinity Counties) in rural far-northern California. Serving over 13,600 students the District has two campuses in Redding, a campus in Tehama, Weaverville and one in Burney in addition to its many online courses and programs. Shasta College offers certificates, Associate Degrees, transfer options, and a completely online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management. Shasta College has been honored to receive numerous grants for innovative programs that have led to the continued success of the students and communities served. In November 2016 the voters in the communities Shasta College serves voted in a $139 million general obligation bond, Measure disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.