Our newly expanded partnership with the California Conversation Corps under the California Resilient Careers in Forestry initiative will recruit, train, and place Californians into lasting careers in the forestry and wildland fire sector. With a shortage of skilled workers in the field, this collaboration will help rebuild the state’s forestry workforce.

The California Conservation Corps provides members, many who face barriers to steady employment, with paid work experience in conservation, restoration, and emergency response. Together, we will provide a clear, supported bridge from a Corps term into a credentialed, long-term career.

Through the partnership, California Conservation Corps members receive:

• Mental health training to support their own resilience and long-term career success 
• $400 stipends to help cover the cost of the uniform and supplies required to enter employment
• Financial support to attend events that grow their professional network and understanding of the field

This partnership reflects a broader effort to diversify California’s forestry workforce, including community colleges, tribal partners, and community-based organizations across the state. We are committed to preparing students for climate-resilient careers while addressing the urgent challenges of climate change.

Resilient Careers in Forestry is funded by a $21.5 million grant awarded to FoundationCCC from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The award is part of the Good Jobs Challenge, funded by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan and administered by the Commerce Department. This work comes at a critical time when communities in California have been increasingly affected by climate change and ravaged by wildfires. This statewide effort to protect communities and landscapes while supporting the development of resilient careers in the forestry sector in underserved communities aims to create a sustainable and equitable future for all.

Learn more about California Resilient Careers in Forestry >