Placer Resource Conservation District awarded CAL FIRE grant to fund mentorship program

CAL FIRE's Wood Products and Bioenergy Team awarded the Placer County Resource Conservation District (Placer RCD) a grant amounting to $250,880 to fund the Forestry and Natural Resources Career Mentorship Program. The program, which has been piloted for two academic years at five educational institutions in California, seeks to increase entry and retention of early career professionals in the field of forestry through personalized, one-on-one mentorship. The program provides professional training, including résumé and interview skills development, and coordinates panels of career professionals to help students transition into the workforce. While it serves all students and mentors with an interest, the program was formed with the intent of helping students from traditionally underrepresented groups enter the field successfully and with tailored guidance. Program growth, from 18 mentor pairs in 2020 to 47 pairs in 2021, illuminated the need for dedicated staff to meet the program's goals and sustain its growth. The program was developed with funding and input from the California Licensed Foresters Association, California Women in Timber and the UC Cooperative Extension, which will continue to provide support as the program develops. "We are grateful for the opportunity to expand this program to enhance forestry curriculum by connecting students with a working professional that can provide valuable insight into forestry and natural resources career paths," said Allison Erny, program manager. "Students will gain a better understanding of the diversity of jobs available and form valuable connections that benefit them later in their careers." Participating schools include UC Berkeley, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Humboldt, College of the Redwoods and Shasta College. Placer RCD hopes to expand the program to other academic institutions.