Forest Service Partners With Historically Black Colleges to Diversify Firefighting Ranks

A partnership between the U.S. Forest Service and four historically Black colleges and universities aims to increase diversity in forestry and firefighting by providing students with training, credentials, mentorships and internships.
The number of wildfires is below average this year, but climate change and a lack of minority representation in firefighting remain ongoing concerns.
The program provides students at Tuskegee University and other HBCUs scholarships, internships and on-site fire academies to gain experience in wildfire management.
Diversity in the Forest Service's firefighting ranks has increased over the last decade but some groups remain underrepresented.
The program aims to create a pipeline for students to pursue careers in forestry, firefighting and natural resources.