University Summit
The origins of this initiative date back to the Calforests Annual Meeting on March 28, 2022. At that conference, Calforests, along with the three undergraduate university forestry programs in California - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo University, Cal Poly Humboldt, and the University of California, Berkeley - came together with the express purpose of creating a coordinated approach to 1) recruit more students into these programs and 2) ensure these students meet the workforce needs of the public and private sectors.
Discussions at this meeting were grounded in research conducted by Calforests' Workforce and Training Research Report. The report summarized key themes that emerged from interviews with forestry sector professionals, a survey of Calforests’ members, and other publicly available sources on forestry programs in California and the broader West Coast.
As a result of the work done at this meeting, Calforests and the university partners developed an Action Plan to summarize the goals and desired outcomes of this cooperative workforce development effort. The Action Plan is interactive and will be reviewed by Calforests and university partner leadership to assure that future workforce development actions in the field of forestry are aligned with current forestry sector and academic environments.
Benefits of Attending an Accredited Forestry Program at a California College or University
Enrolling in an accredited forestry program at a California college or university offers students a comprehensive education that merges rigorous academic training with hands-on experience in the state's diverse ecosystems. Students gain a deep understanding of sustainable forestry practices, environmental conservation, and natural resource management through a curriculum that integrates classroom learning with fieldwork. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to address the complex challenges facing today's forestry sector, including climate change, wildfire management, and habitat conservation. Additionally, students benefit from access to cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art facilities, and internships that provide real-world experience. Networking opportunities with industry professionals and exposure to innovative forestry technologies further enhance their education, preparing them for successful careers in forestry, environmental science, and related fields.
Eligibility for the Bischel scholarship is laid out on the scholarship page: Eligibility - Students who are in a program leading to a career in forestry are eligible to apply. Students must be entering their junior year, a senior, or a graduate student at UC Berkeley, UC Davis, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, or Cal Poly Humboldt.
Scholarship Options
David A. Bischel Forestry Scholarship
This scholarship is to honor the memory of David Bischel. Dave was a graduate of both UC Berkeley and UC Davis. He was a Registered Professional Forester who started his career as field forester for the Fibreboard Corporation in the Truckee area.
Application period closes April 30, 2024 to apply online, click here.
To learn more about the 2024 Bischel Forestry Scholarship recipients, click here.
Mark E. Reed Scholarship
The Mark E. Reed Scholarship Program has been making grants to deserving students since 1947. The program was established to honor the man who played a significant part in the history and development of our timberlands and who also influenced the education of many young people in Washington state.
For more information, visit here. Application period closed in February 2024, please check back early 2024.
McCrary Family Scholarship
Bud and Lud McCrary co-founded Big Creek Lumber at the same age that most students graduate high school. Times were different in 1946 and they gained valuable training in skilled trades while serving during World War II and continued learning on the job after founding Big Creek Lumber. Although their education was non-traditional, the skills that they picked up serving their country set them up for success. After founding Big Creek they learned mechanical, business, forestry skills and became life long learners. Since its inception, Big Creek Lumber has been fortunate to have the support of employees and customers who have made their careers in the skilled trades and forestry.
For more information, visit here. Application period closing on April 26, 2024.
The George and Vi Craig Scholarship Fund
The George and Vi Craig California Forestry Association Fund is an endowed fund managed by the Regents of the University of California. It was set up to benefit students studying Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) at the University of California, Berkeley. The payout from the endowment may be used to provide scholarships to individual students and/or pay for transportation or instructional equipment and material costs associated with field instruction in courses that support the FNR degree program. These funds are intended to increase field experience opportunities for students in the FNR program.
For more information, visit here.
Hazel Jackson/CLFA and Roy Richards Scholarships
The California Licensed Foresters Association (CLFA) is accepting applications for the two forementioned scholarships to be awarded to college students pursuing an education in Forestry. The scholarships are available to individuals who will be attending, full-time during the 2023-2024 school year, a University or College with a Forestry Program accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) OR a Junior College with transferable credits to an accredited Forestry Program.
For more information, click here or to download application. Application period closed in January 2024, please check back early 2024.
Harold H. Biswell Memorial Scholarship
The California Licensed Foresters Association (CLFA) is pleased to announce that we are currently accepting and facilitating scholarship applications for the 2024 Harold H. Biswell Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is available to graduating California high school Seniors or recent high school graduates entering their first year of college in the Fall of 2024.
For more information, click here or to download application. Application period closing on April 30, 2024.
Educational Resources
In partnership with accredited forestry programs throughout California, Calforests is pleased to provide this list of resources for students to explore the wide range of educational opportunities available to them as they consider a career in the forestry sector. Additional information about educational and career opportunities in this sector can be found by visiting The California Forest Foundation.
Universities with Accredited Forestry Programs
Community Colleges with Forestry Programs
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The Forestry Challenge is an academic event for high school students in technical forestry and current forestry topics. Since its inception in 2003, the program has grown from one event to five, a complete buildout of the program in California.
Participants spend four days in the forest learning about the ecology and management of the forested landscapes that provide communities with water, recreational opportunities, wood products, and wildlife habitat. Youth benefit by better understanding the relationship of the forested environment to their community, by exposure to natural resource management as a potential career option, and by undertaking a rigorous critical thinking exercise which is timely and addresses current forestry topics such as wildfire, insects, and forest health.