FoundationCCC’s Center for Climate Futures is helping to leverage the reach and scale of the California Community Colleges create pathways for the next generation of environmental stewards while addressing critical workforce gaps in forestry, conservation, and climate resilience.

Major Milestones

Grant Success

In May, the Resilient Careers in Forestry program was awarded a $150,000 grant from the Hearst Foundations to expand throughout California. 

When wildfires consumed millions of acres across California last year, it was clear that we needed more people and resources to tackle the climate crisis. This funding will enable us to reach more communities, create sustainable career opportunities, and strengthen California’s defense against wildfire threats.

“Especially in light of the LA fires, we are really excited to use this funding to expand our community of practice, expand those connections into Southern California with sister community colleges in that region that has some workforce training opportunities to address some of these critical issues,” — Becky Roe, Senior Manager, Center for Climate Futures, FoundationCCC

Read more at KCRA3 >

Knowledge Sharing

Our Climate Webinar Series connects industry experts, students, and professionals across the sector, fostering collaboration and innovation in climate solutions. These sessions dive deep into emerging technologies, policy developments, and career opportunities that are shaping the future of environmental work.

Upcoming Webinar
Sustainability in Action: Facilities and Campus Strategies for Community Colleges
June 17, 2025, 11:00 a.m. PST
In this installment, learn how community colleges are leading innovation in sustainable practices implementation and student engagement at the campus level. We will further explore the importance of engaging relevant industry sectors and the value those innovative partnerships bring.

Learn more about the speakers and register >

Community Building

On April 24 and 25, the Forestry Pathways Forum at Reedley College brought together community colleges, Cal State campuses, and UC programs to spark new ideas and grow lasting professional relationships across the forestry ecosystem. The event included peer-led workshops, interactive panel discussions, student innovation sessions, and valuable networking opportunities to strengthen our collective impact in forest management and wildfire prevention.

Featured event speakers:

• Corrine Alton, Forest Resiliency Ambassador, Foundation for California Community Colleges
• Holly Bailey-Hofmann, Chair, College Council and Coordinator, Community of Practice, California Center for Climate Change Education
• Karina Bencomo, Workforce Development Outreach Coordinator, University of California, Berkeley
• Ben Blom, Director, Stewardship and Restoration, Save the Redwoods League
• Anthony Bonilla, Analyst, Recruitment, California State Parks
• Courtney Cagle, Manager, California Resilient Careers in Forestry, Foundation for California Community Colleges
• Gabriel Campos, Forest Resiliency Ambassador, Foundation for California Community Colleges
• Erin Capuchino, Executive Director, Yosemite Sequoia Resource Conservation and Development Council
• Tim Garrison, Administrator, Fire Science, Valley Regional Occupational Program
• Audrey Gomes, Forestry Technician, Western Timber Services
• Nancy Gutierrez, Coordinator, Wildland Fire Technology Program, Reedley College
• Delaney Haines, Forestry Student, California Polytechnic University
• Chelsea Hutchens, Manager, Forestry and Watershed Program, Sierra Resource Conservation District
• Nick Kent, Chief, Forester II – Pre-fire Division, CAL FIRE Fresno Kings Unit
• Kayla Rodriguez, Forestry Instructor, Reedley College
• Becky Roe, Senior Manager, Climate Strategies, Foundation for California Community Colleges
• Francisco Antonio Saavedra Jr., Forestry and Natural Resources Program, College of the Redwoods
• Christopher Surfleet, Professor, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
• Patrick Turner, Director, Kings River Conservancy
• Robert York, Professor, Cooperative Extension, University of California Berkeley
• Patricia Salinas, Regional District Director, Center of Excellence, State Center Community College District

As the largest system of higher education in the nation, the California Community College system is uniquely positioned to help Californians mitigate and adapt to climate change through its extensive physical presence, community connections, and role in climate-ready workforce development. Guiding these efforts at FoundationCCC is the Center for Climate Futures, which leverages existing community college strengths to make a significant and lasting impact on our environment and society.

Learn more about our climate work >