Expanding Community College Programs is Vital

Students from rural community colleges can now earn a bachelor's degree and help prevent wildfires in California. Feather River College recently won approval to launch a Bachelor of Science program to train and prepare students for ecosystem restoration and fire management. Programs focused on career and technical training are designed to meet workforce needs and fill the gap regarding the lack of qualified workers for fire recovery and wildfire restoration. However, CSU argues that these programs are duplications with no further advancements for students. 

Fire management and safety is a topic that is often overlooked. Programs such as such help promote awareness and prepare students to pursue bachelor's degrees that often seem out of reach. Funding community colleges will allow more students in rural communities to access higher education. This is possible by reforming Prop 13 — programs like this can offer students a more accessible way to obtain bachelor's degrees and focus on preventing wildfires. 

COURTESY OF FEATHER RIVER COLLEGE

Students at rural community college can earn a bachelor’s and help prevent wildfires.

By Michael Burke, Ed Source | 03/07/23