News release from SWOCC. The Coos County Economic Development Fund is investing in workforce development at Southwestern Oregon Community College through a $17,000 grant to the SWOCC Foundation, in support of the new associate of science degree program with forestry emphasis. Coos County joins with South Coast businesses and statewide organizations that have contributed to build the Forestry/Natural Resources Program. SWOCC enrolled its first class of students in September and this grant will support the expansion and improvement of the program into its second year. “The forestry profession has an increasing need for highly trained workers. In fact, the state predicts up to an 11 percent increase in demand for foresters by 2022.” said Mark Wall, SWOCC Foundation president. “SWOCC is uniquely positioned to provide access to that training.” This collaboration between the SWOCC Foundation, private industry and Coos County ensures the College will provide future natural resource industry specialists with the highest-quality instruction and equipment. The college’s new degree program will accept 25 students per year. Students who complete this two-year degree at SWOCC will be ready for entry-level jobs or can transfer as juniors to the Oregon State University Pro School of Forestry bachelor’s degree program.
