The Washington Forestry Training Initiative, a joint effort between Green River and Grays Harbor colleges, recently received a four-year $998,773 grant from the National Science Foundation.

Between 2016 and 2020, the grant will fund at least 92 scholarships to students in Green River and Grays Harbor’s natural resources bachelor of applied science degree pathway.

The Washington Forestry Training Initiative responds to needs within the forest product industry – Washington State’s second largest manufacturing industry – and better prepares students to work in those fields, said Monica Paulson Priebe, a professor in Green River’s Natural Resources Department.

“The forest industry has been pushing for a program that produces more trained and qualified students to fill increased demand within the natural resources field,” Priebe said. “We’ve worked with Grays Harbor to create a program that best fits the needs of our students and that prepares them to be successful in the natural resources industry.”

Priebe will lead efforts at Green River and will work alongside Todd Bates, forestry department instructor and resource manager at Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen.

In addition to awarding annual scholarships of up to $7,000 each, the program aims to increase retention and graduation rates by providing increased student support, networking events and hands-on training.

“When our students come in to the program, they’re joining a family,” Priebe said. “We want to take that to another level by increasing the shared experiences the students have while also helping prepare them for the future.”

Examples include an orientation for natural resources students, a mentor program that pairs students with working professionals, guest lectures and a three-day course on how to safely operate, maintain and repair small engine-powered forestry equipment.

This year, 17 Green River and three Grays Harbor students will receive annual scholarships. Eligible students must be enrolled full time, meet academic requirements and demonstrate financial need defined by the U.S. Department of Education.

Support for the programs at both colleges has been overwhelmingly positive, Priebe said.

“It’s so exciting to see the passion from the faculty and administrations to help fulfill the needs of our students, that passion and putting students first makes collaboration and our program possible,” she said.