Grays Harbor College is partnering with Green River College to launch a four-year Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Forest Resource Management (BASFRM).

Qualifying students can apply for admissions to the course in January. GHC instructor Todd Bates will coordinate efforts with Monica Paulson Priebe from Green River to teach the course using a shared classroom via ITV beginning in the fall of 2017.

“For decades, the Harbor economy revolved around the timber, logging and wood products industries,” GHC President James Minkler stated in a Sept. 9 press release. “Forestry has always been a key part of what sustained our community.”

Minkler went on to say new developments in technology using wood products in construction are opening new opportunities for career pathways in forestry management, manufacturing and carpentry technology that are being incorporated into GHC program and curriculum design.

“Our new four-year Bachelor in Applied Science-Forestry Resources Management degree will further strengthen the job skills for our students interested in this important community industry,” he said. “In much the same way, graduates of our BASOM will find advancement and new opportunities in their fields.”

The partnering colleges just received a $998,773 scholarship grant from the National Science Foundation that will provide a minimum of 92 scholarships from now until 2020 for student’s enrolled full time in the program who meet academic requirements and demonstrate financial need.

The NSF grant will also focus on ways to increase retention and graduation rates. This includes an orientation for Natural Resources students, a mentoring program pairing students with working professionals, guest lectures and a three-day crash course on safely operating, and maintaining and repairing small engine-powered forestry equipment.

On Sept. 19 a contingent of 30 students will report for classes for the college’s first four-year degree Bachelor of Applied Science — Organizational Management (BASOM) course. Assistant Dean of Baccalaureate Programs, JEB Thornton said GHC has been accredited to offer four-year degrees that directly correlate with vocational programs being offered.

“A bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management takes those graduating from our Human Services, Business, Criminal Justice and other workforce programs on to continue their education and get ready to advance in their fields,” Thornton said. “Likewise, our new BAS in Forest Resource Management is a direct response to demands from the forest products industry for better prepared employees.”

The College is also awaiting approval to begin a BAS in Education, designed for those interested in teaching K-8 grades.

For more information about GHC’s four-year degrees, contact Jeb Thornton at (360)538.4022 or by email at jeb.thornton@ghc.edu.