Our WorkClimate ActionBuilding a Strong Climate WorkforceCalifornia Resilient Careers in ForestryForest Resilience Ambassador Program

Forest Resilience Ambassador Program

Empowering students for sustainable forest stewardship and climate action.

The Forest Resilience Ambassador Program, spearheaded by the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) and the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge, is designed to educate and empower students and community members about sustainable forestry management and fire safety. Ambassadors play a key role in community outreach and engagement, promoting awareness about forestry and fire safety degrees and training programs while researching and addressing barriers to entry and completion.

They also actively contribute to our mission of forest resilience and climate change mitigation, making a significant impact in shaping a sustainable future. The program serves as an excellent professional development and leadership opportunity, where student ambassadors receive ongoing training, individualized support, and a stipend for their contributions.

Program Details

Cohort: Community Outreach Cohort
Duration: August 2025 – May 2026
Ambassadors stipend: $2,500

Program Services

Promoting sustainable forestry through knowledgeable student leaders.

Activities include:

  • Conducting community outreach and engagement at local high schools, community events, and on social media
  • Collecting survey data on community perceptions and experiences
  • Participation in regular trainings and meetings with the Forest Resilience team
  • Documenting outreach activities and summarizing community impact in brief reports

Program Benefits

  • Leadership and professional development opportunities

  • Building interpersonal, networking, public speaking, organization, and social science research skills.

  • Connecting communities with forestry and fire safety resources

  • Trusted source of peer-to-peer outreach

Application Timeline

The application closed at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, 2025. We encourage students to check back here for potential future opportunities.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Monthly time commitments may vary, with an estimated 10 to 12 hours per month for outreach on campus, social media, and surrounding communities
  • Majoring in Forestry, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Fire Science, or anyone passionate about the environment and community.
    • Participating colleges/universities
      • Mendocino College
      • College of the Redwoods
      • Lassen Community College
      • Sierra College
      • Columbia College
      • Allan Hancock College
      • Chaffey College
      • Rio Hondo College
      • Mt. San Antonio College
      • Citrus College
      • Cerro Coso College
      • Butte College (Environmental Science or Natural Resource Majors)
      • UC Berkeley
      • Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
      • Cal Poly Humboldt

Program Impact

The impact of our ambassador program extends to various parts of California, with partnerships across multiple institutions, organizations, and communities, including Butte College, Feather River College, Lake Tahoe Community College, Reedley College, Shasta College, CSU Chico, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, Sierra Business Council, CAL FIRE and the California Conservation Corps, among others.

Climate Action and the Center for Climate Futures

Through the Center for Climate Futures, we are elevating climate action at community colleges, which not only drives economic development but also prepares individuals for rewarding careers, strengthens communities, and supports California in achieving its ambitious climate targets.

Learn more about Climate Action and the Center for Climate Futures

*This initiative is powered by the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge and the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC). Together, we’re connecting students across California with opportunities in forestry and related fields.