(August 22, 2025) MARYSVILLE, Calif. – Yuba College has been awarded $194,120 through the We Prosper Together Catalyst Pre-Development Grant to design and launch an innovative, inclusive working lands summer internship program. The program will provide hands-on, real-world experience for students pursuing careers in forestry, water resources, agriculture and fire mitigation.
The initiative aims to be scalable across the region and responsive to the urgent needs of disinvested communities. Students in agriculture, biology, environmental science, fire technology, geography and natural resources will directly benefit from the program, which will run through August 2026.
“This initiative represents a unique opportunity for our students to gain practical experience in outdoor-based professions while preparing for the realities of working in these environments,” said Yuba College Dean of Industrial Innovation Michael Bagley. “For students aspiring to careers that involve working outdoors, internships play a crucial role in providing a realistic and exciting glimpse into the realities of such professions.”
Yuba College plans to collaborate with regional schools, workforce agencies and industry partners to secure ongoing funding to sustain and expand the program beyond its pilot year. Yuba College hopes the findings and outcomes from the internship model will lead to additional experiential learning opportunities for students in science-based careers with outdoor components.
“Practical experience gained through internships significantly enhances a student’s resume and makes them more attractive to potential employers,” Bagley said. “Working outdoors comes with its unique set of challenges, including exposure to the elements, potential hazards and the need for adaptability and resilience.”
The We Prosper Together Catalyst Pre-Development Grant builds on Yuba College’s strong partnership with the Yuba Water Agency. Since 2022, the agency’s $700,000 five-year grant has supported the creation of a watershed management program, which expands the natural resources program at Yuba College. This funding has resulted in four new career-technical certificates in field technician, watershed management, soil conservation, geographic information systems, watershed resilience and forest management.
“The launch of our new vocational certificates is one of the most exciting developments I have seen during my time at Yuba College,” said Korey Champe, assistant professor of earth science. “For years, I have taught courses that fulfill the physical science general education requirement. These courses are typically not taken by science majors and often feel one step removed from the real world. That changes now. These new programs give our students the chance to learn skills in the classroom and apply them directly in careers that make an immediate impact. Connecting science education to economic productivity is a game changer for our students and for the region. But this is about more than workforce preparation. This program also builds environmental stewardship and awareness of the challenges facing our planet, and connects them to our community. This opportunity has reenergized me as an instructor, and this grant is the missing piece. Getting students in local internships that will lead to immediate job placement ties up one of the most difficult parts, getting a job.”
Beyond funding, the Yuba Water Agency has sponsored community events at the Yuba College Theatre to highlight critical local and regional issues, and has been an active partner in developing the working lands summer internship program. These efforts align with the agency’s mission and vision for the region’s future.
About Yuba College
Yuba College is committed to providing equitable student learning and success. We offer degree and certificate programs leading to career and transfer opportunities for our diverse communities. It is our vision to provide innovative and student-centered educational opportunities and services that are equitable and that empower students to become transformative and productive members of our communities.