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| 波士頓黃氏宗親會頒發獎學金。（黃氏提供） |
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| 黃氏宗親領取獎學金。 |
獎學金委員會主席黃光野表示，由於得獎子弟人數多，所以獎學金的頒獎典禮分兩次舉行。今年第一次頒發時，人數較齊，還特地安排祭祖儀式，請得獎的宗親子弟們向祖先鞠躬敬禮，以提醒他們肩負文化傳承重責。
7月6日的頒發獎學金，改成了在2小時之內，隨到隨領方式辦理。黃氏宗親會在會所準備了糕點汽水，聊以犒勞。
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| 黃氏宗親會美東副總長黃偉健（右）和財政黃開洪（左） 頒發獎學金給黃嘉賢（中）。‘ |
黃氏宗親會每年以一萬元為約數，分發100到500元給學習成績優異的宗親子弟，以示獎勵。為紀念前主席黃國瀚，還另設有每年撥款1500元的獎學金。今年的黃氏宗親會獎學金，共有57人得獎，分別為小學1到6年級17人，7到8年級5人，9到12年級19人，大學1到4年級16人。
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| 領取獎學金黃氏子弟向祖先鞠躬敬禮。（黃氏提供） |
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| 圖片來自推特 |
事件發生後，麻州地鐵關閉了第三軌道上的電力，以便波士頓消防局，交通警察，以及麻州地鐵人員疏散乘客。將近500名乘客在救援人員指引下，沿著軌道走出隧道，整個疏散過程約一小時。根據麻州地鐵的說法，受影響乘客約465人，波士頓消防局則稱有500人。
乘客們說聽到巨響，聞到橡膠燒焦的味道。有些人在悶熱的環境中，被卡在車廂內1到1個半小時。事件中無人受傷。
這意外事件打亂了好幾名乘客的計劃，導致失約，長時間的等候接駁巴士。藍線地鐵服務大約在晚上8點20分起恢復。麻州地鐵為這服務中斷表示抱歉，指出這是交通系統老化導致設備失誤的最新案例。
Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates $10 Million Investment in Workforce Training for English Learners
As the Trump Administration moves to limit access to adult education, Massachusetts is expanding support for 3,000 additional English learners and growing the workforce
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BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today is celebrating a $10 million investment that was proposed by Governor Healey and included in the final recent Fair Share supplemental budget that will expand access to workforce training programs for 3,000-3,500 residents and reduce the waitlist for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services. By aligning and leveraging other state resources, the administration expects to provide career-related ESOL to a total of 4,500-5,000 additional individuals over the next two years. Currently, Massachusetts has nearly 100 adult education and ESOL programs serving over 30,000 participants.
At the same time that Massachusetts is stepping up to expand access to ESOL and other adult education as a workforce strategy, the Trump Administration is withholding critical support. The U.S. Department of Education has communicated that it is withholding Adult Basic Education Grants to States, which is nearly $13 million for Massachusetts. This annual funding was already appropriated by the U.S. Congress and was expected to be received by states on July 1. These federal cuts threaten to undermine services for English learners just as demand continues to grow—making the state’s investment even more urgent.
“We have employers across Massachusetts who need skilled talent to fill open positions. Connecting workers with training programs and English classes will make sure they have the skills that employers are looking for in today’s economy,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful to the Legislature for approving this funding, which will support our people, our businesses and our economy.”
“We know adult education helps families and our economy succeed. With this funding, we’re expanding access to the skills and supports that English learners need to get jobs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This investment is about creating pathways to success and supporting a workforce for employers in our state.”
This investment will help more residents gain the language skills they need to succeed in in-demand jobs, connect to career pathways, and fully participate in the state’s economy. The funding will also support the creation of a coordinated statewide ESOL strategy through the administration’s Workforce Skills Cabinet.
“Every learner in Massachusetts deserves the chance to pursue their goals with dignity and support,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Our vision is a Massachusetts where every student has the tools they need to succeed, and these dollars will go directly toward helping people build language, career readiness and technical skills that unlock careers, education, and confidence.”
“Building on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s workforce agenda, this expansion of ESOL will connect directly with employers and sector-based job training and education, and in turn, create increased access and opportunity for Massachusetts’ workforce,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “This intentional strategy will bring together employers, workforce training providers, and academic partners to improve employment outcomes, deliver a more equitable workforce, and strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness.”
“Funding for ESOL programs serves individuals, employers and communities,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Classes that are tied to the workplace help adults both support their families and serve as models of lifelong learning for their children.”
Guided by state’s workforce agenda to attract, retain, and develop talent, adult education/ESOL providers collaborate with local MassHire Workforce Board and Career Centers on recruitment, career services, and job placement activities. This commitment builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s strategic workforce development investments to remove barriers to employment for work-authorized individuals and connect them with jobs and training in sectors such as health care and human services, hospitality, and manufacturing.
“Expanding access to English language learning and workforce training means we’re helping people gain the skills they need to put money in their pockets and find jobs they love—so they can build a life right here in Massachusetts,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I’m proud of the Senate’s work to secure this funding and send it to the Governor’s desk quickly, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact these programs will have across the Commonwealth.”
“An investment in English language learning is an investment in our workforce and in our economy, which is why the funding that was included in the supplemental budget for these educational grants is so important,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey, my colleagues in the House, and our partners in the Senate for recognizing the importance of supporting this program.”
Statements of Support:
State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means:
“I’m thrilled to see another collaborative effort between the Legislature and the Healey-Driscoll Administration pay off with the success of the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) incentive program. Providing an additional 5,000 individuals with workforce training skills only adds to the Commonwealth’s economic viability. This investment is especially important with the federal government cutting support for these critical educational and vocational training incentives. We need to continue to support businesses in their effort to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce economy.”
State Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education:
“I was proud to vote in June for this $10 million investment to support English-Language Learners with increased access to workforce training and language programs. Thousands more people will be able to utilize these programs to help fill in-demand jobs in Massachusetts and build up our economy.”
State Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education:
"This represents an important investment, not only for our residents but also for assisting our important industries in accessing well-trained workers."
State Senator Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development:
"This critical investment will not only uplift thousands of English learners across Massachusetts but also strengthen our workforce to meet the demands of our growing economy. As the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, I'm proud to continue to work to build a more inclusive and resilient economy, one where everyone has an opportunity to meaningful employment and success. This funding will do just that."
Eastern Bank Executive Chair and Chair of the Board of Directors Bob Rivers:
“This investment in additional resources importantly acknowledges the needs of the Massachusetts workforce as well as the opportunities to strengthen it,” said Bob Rivers, Executive Chair and Chair of the Board of Directors of Eastern Bank. “Recognizing the important role corporate philanthropy also plays, I am pleased to announce today a Career-Focused English Proficiency Initiative being led by the Eastern Bank Foundation working with our many community partners, to enhance a system that prepares, employs, and advances the English language skills of workers at scale so that our local employers have access to a robust workforce aligned with workforce needs and grounded in the science of how adults learn language.”
Mount Wachusett Community College President James L. Vander Hooven:
“The Massachusetts community colleges are grateful for Governor Healey’s commitment to providing ESOL education across the Commonwealth. We stand ready to provide these much-needed services.”
Massachusetts Business Roundtable President and CEO JD Chesloff:
“At the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, we are focused on breaking down barriers to employment for people in Massachusetts who are ready to work and qualified to fill open jobs. Chief among those barriers is language, leaving too many people on the sidelines just as employers are looking for talent. The strategic and important investment in ESOL being celebrated today will help employers grow and thrive statewide while providing a pathway to opportunity for untapped talent across the state. We applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for its leadership on this issue and look forward to working collaboratively to develop a coordinated, statewide ESOL strategy.”
Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition Executive Director Elizabeth Sweet:
"Investments in workforce training and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs do not just benefit immigrants, but all of Massachusetts. Our state needs more workers in frontline industries like healthcare, and immigrants are eager to fill those jobs, strengthening our economy and taking care of those in need. We applaud the Healey-Driscoll administration for this crucial investment, and for supporting immigrants when leaders in Washington continue to push harmful, hateful anti-immigrant policies.”
Jewish Vocational Service Boston CEO Kira Khazatsky:
“We are thrilled that the Healey-Driscoll administration recognizes that increasing resources for vocational ESOL is the right strategy to meet this moment. Students get exactly what they want–English language skills that allow them to get hired and succeed in the workplace–and employers get access to talent they need for their businesses to grow and thrive. With thousands of people on waitlists for ESOL, eager to build their skills and launch their careers, vocational ESOL funding is a strategic investment that helps both students and employers.”
English for New Bostonians Executive Director and English for Strong Economy Coalition member Claudia Green:
“As we go forward in the current tyranny being imposed on immigrant communities by the Federal Administration, Massachusetts is making a positive, no-nonsense step to promote economic mobility, as well as the call from private industry for relief and action. With timely, top-level leadership and expanded, vocationally focused ESOL training delivered by a network of savvy providers, immigrant workers and business owners will contribute to their full potential and keep our economy strong.”
Healey-Driscoll Administration Testifies in Support of Mass Ready Act
Mass Ready Act proposes $3 billion to streamline permitting for housing, strengthen infrastructure, protect clean water and prepare for extreme weather
BOSTON – Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration testified in support of Governor Maura Healey’s Mass Ready Act, a $3 billion investment to help Massachusetts prepare for extreme weather events like flooding, heatwaves and wildfires. This legislation comes in the wake of the devastating flooding seen in Texas and the flash flooding in Massachusetts, underscoring the need for immediate and effective measures that are included in the bill.
The Mass Ready Act focuses on strengthening the state’s infrastructure, protecting water and nature and investing in farms and local economies. It also streamlines permitting processes for housing and natural infrastructure projects, helping communities move priority projects forward faster and at a lower cost. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, along with Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz, mayors, real estate advocates, farmers, insurance leaders and environmental advocates all came together to express their support for this critical bill.
“The Mass Ready Act is about making Massachusetts a place where families are safe, businesses can grow and communities are prepared for the future,” said Governor Healey. “Our legislation cuts permitting and wait times to get critical housing and infrastructure projects moving, makes commonsense investments in clean water, and supports our farmers and fishermen during this uncertain time. We’re grateful to the Legislature for their review of our proposal.”
“Cities and towns know what needs to get done, but are often stuck waiting on funding or permits,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “The Mass Ready Act gives communities the ability to cut through red tape and move projects forward without unnecessary delays. Our bill offers practical fixes that allow local governments to prioritize and accomplish critical projects.”
“As we testified today, we were thinking of the communities recently devastated by flooding. Through the Mass Ready Act, we’re preparing for disasters beforehand, protecting our residents and businesses,” said Secretary Tepper. “The Mass Ready Act is a direct response to the climate threats we’re already facing. It invests in real, on-the-ground solutions like upgrading drinking water systems, protecting coastlines, supporting local farms before the next storm hits. Our legislation not only addresses extreme weather events but also helps communities proactively prepare for them.”
“Now is the time to make thoughtful, effective investments in Massachusetts’s future by improving the resilience of our cities and towns,” said Secretary Gorzkowicz. “We were grateful for the chance to testify today in support of the Mass Ready Act, a bill that authorizes critical bond financing for projects and programs that will protect our resources, enhance our communities, and support our local economies for years to come.”
The Mass Ready Act includes funding for flood control, dam safety, and seawall repairs, as well as the establishment of a Resilience Revolving Fund that provides low-interest loans to improve stormwater systems, restore nature, and enhance critical infrastructure to reduce flood and heat risks. The legislation also expands support for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program and the Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) program while making significant investments in PFAS mitigation, land conservation and the state’s Biodiversity Conservation Goals.
MAYOR WU RELEASES FINAL ANTI-DISPLACEMENT ACTION PLAN FOR CITY OF BOSTON
Final plan incorporates feedback from residents on draft plan released this spring
BOSTON - Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - Mayor Wu today released the final anti-displacement action plan for the City of Boston, A Place to Thrive. A Place to Thrive lays out a two-year plan for City departments to help stabilize residents, small businesses, and cultural organizations that may face direct or economic displacement, helping to ensure all Bostonians can thrive and flourish here. This final plan incorporates feedback from residents, business owners, artists and cultural operators and other important stakeholders following a public comment period which began in March.
“Keeping shop doors open, lights on, and people stably housed is the work we do every day,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Over the last four years, Boston has invested more than ever before to stabilize residents, small businesses, cultural organizations, and neighborhoods. This Action Plan recognizes that we must grow the supply of housing for people of all incomes to stabilize our communities. And it shows that good growth is possible.”
The City’s anti-displacement efforts are grounded in four main tenets: protect, preserve, produce, and prosper. The City is working to stabilize households by protecting people – particularly lower-income and vulnerable renters and homeowners – from displacement; preserving existing housing; producing new housing for people at all income levels; and promoting prosperity through homeownership. The City is also working to stabilize small businesses and cultural operators by protecting neighborhood anchors, preserving places and spaces significant to the community, producing new commercial/cultural spaces in priority areas, and promoting prosperity through ownership and contracting opportunities.
Protect
Preserve
Produce
Prosper
“Boston residents are demanding strong protections against displacement, and this plan delivers. After decades when many public officials downplayed Boston’s displacement crisis, it’s exciting to see the City listen and respond to community feedback with concrete tools to keep children, families, and seniors in our homes and communities,” said Noemi Mimi Ramos Executive Director New England Community Project and Homes for All Mass Co-Anchor. “The city’s plan takes important steps to stabilize rents and to shift existing housing from the speculative market to permanent affordability. And as the Homes for All coalition works with more than a hundred partners across Massachusetts to pass rent stabilization legislation at the state level, we’re especially glad that support for rent stabilization remains a key anti-displacement goal for the City of Boston.”
“We’re encouraged to see the Mayor’s final draft of the Anti-Displacement Action Plan incorporate so much feedback from residents and advocates,” said Armani White, Executive Director of Reclaim Roxbury. “This plan shows a real commitment to addressing the root causes of displacement, with strong support for fair housing, inclusionary zoning, and rent stabilization, along with innovative tools like the co-purchasing pilot and prioritizing displaced and rent-burdened residents in housing lotteries. These are the bold, thoughtful policies our communities need to remain in the neighborhoods they’ve built. We look forward to continuing to work with the City to turn these commitments into reality.”
“Seniors across the city have experienced the displacement of friends, family, and neighbors for decades, and now many of us worry about whether we will be able to afford to age in the communities we helped build,” said Mack Knight, Jr, President of the Massachusetts Senior Action Council's Boston Chapter. “We are encouraged by the city’s anti-displacement action plan because it goes beyond simply identifying the problem and outlines the city’s commitment to taking specific steps to address the underlying causes of displacement. We appreciate Mayor Wu and her team for developing particular actions to address some of the unique needs of senior homeowners and renters.”
“As both community focused developers and longtime supporters of Boston’s Main Streets program, we have seen the direct positive impacts that small and local businesses can have on a neighborhood,” said Steve Samuels, Chairman of Samuels & Associates. “We appreciate that the mayor's action plan takes this important segment into consideration and considers multiple strategies that balance the positive impacts of development with steps to address displacement risk.”
“We are very pleased by the Administration's deep commitment to addressing displacement in Boston, developing a very comprehensive plan and developing in conjunction with community leaders and organizations focused on this critical issue,” said Kathy Brown, Executive Director for the Boston Tenant Coalition. “I want to highlight a few of the critical strategies that are part of the ADAP—Rent Stabilization, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, key improvements to the City's Inclusionary Development policy and new strategies to support small businesses and prevent cultural displacement.”
“After more than a year of meetings and conversations, the Chinese Progressive Association is pleased to see the City of Boston release its final Anti-Displacement Action Plan, A Place to Thrive. This plan reflects the tireless efforts of housing justice advocates across the city, and we applaud Mayor Wu and her team for taking bold steps — including support for rent stabilization and stronger protections for elders — in response to community feedback,” said Karen Chen, Executive Director of the Chinese Progressive Association. “While much more must be done to stabilize Boston’s working-class neighborhoods, this action plan marks a meaningful step forward in protecting those most at risk of displacement and advancing a more just and equitable city. We look forward to continuing our work with the Wu Administration to ensure development without displacement.”
“The Office of Black Male Advancement remains committed to working on anti-displacement efforts with our city partners. This includes removing barriers to housing access and increasing affordable homeownership for our residents,” said Frank Farrow, Executive Director of the Office of Black Male Advancement. “We know that homeownership is the most effective way to ensure housing stability, prevent displacement, and build generational wealth for Black men and families.”
“As corporate real estate investors target our neighborhoods in their search for endless profits, the city’s plan takes important steps to stabilize rents and to shift existing housing from the speculative market to permanent affordability,” said Denise Matthews-Turner Co-Executive Director of City Life/Vida Urbana. “Rent stabilization is a key tool to prevent the displacement of so many working class families of color facing no fault evictions and enormous rent increases who come to our meetings each week. We appreciate the City’s support for rent stabilization legislation, and we look forward to working together to win strong rent stabilization for tenants in Boston and across the state.”
Throughout the comment period, the City heard from residents in every corner of Boston. Bostonians expressed their broad support for the City’s first comprehensive plan to address displacement. The City engaged with and listened to more than 400 stakeholders, through comment letters, an online survey, community workshops and small group discussions. While the City is committed to advancing the whole plan, comments from constituents reinforced and clarified their highest priorities when it comes to anti-displacement. Their advocacy also informed multiple changes to the final plan, including reaffirming the City’s continued support for rent stabilization, and developing and advocating for new supports for older adult renters who face housing insecurity. Boston residents were also emphatic about the need to build more housing for people of all incomes, and streamline permitting processes to realize that goal.
The City will continue to adapt and evolve these tools and initiatives as circumstances and needs change for residents and business owners, and remains committed to executing A Place to Thrive over a two year period and providing a public update one year from the final approval of the plan. Constituents can review the full plan at boston.gov/anti-displacement. The BPDA Board will consider the final plan for adoption at their board meeting on Thursday, July 17.
（Boston Orange 編譯） 麻州州長奚莉 （Maura Healey)今日（7月15日）頒佈公告，慶祝“波士頓WNBA日”，表揚康州太陽隊 （CT Sun) 和印第安納州狂熱隊(Indiana Fever)今晚在波士頓花園球場的比賽門票售罄，並呼籲一支WNBA球隊進駐波士頓。
奚莉州長說，「麻州是籃球的發源地。波士頓是美國最令人興奮的運動城市和運動市場，我們對女子運動有著非凡的熱情。看看WNBA連續兩年在波士頓花園球場的門票銷售一空就知道了」。奚莉州長說。 “我們非常榮幸地接待鄰近的康州太陽隊和印第安納周狂熱隊，並祝愿她們今晚的比賽一切順利。我們已經準備好迎接一支WNBA球隊進駐波士頓。”
Governor Healey Issues Proclamation Celebrating WNBA Game at Garden, Calling for Team in Boston
BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey is celebrating “WNBA Day in Boston” by issuing a proclamation recognizing the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever for selling out TD Garden tonight and calling for a WNBA team in Boston.
“Massachusetts is the birthplace of basketball. Boston is the most exciting sports town and sports market in the country, and we have phenomenal enthusiasm for women’s sports. Just look at how the WNBA has sold out TD Garden two years in a row,” said Governor Healey. “We are so proud to host our neighboring Connecticut Sun, along with the Indiana Fever, and wish them the very best in their game tonight. We’re ready for a WNBA team in Boston.”
The Governor’s proclamation reads:
Whereas, Boston is the perfect home for a WNBA team; and
Whereas, Massachusetts is the birthplace of basketball, the place where both women’s and men’s basketball was invented, and home to the world-renowned Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield; and
Whereas, Boston is the most exciting sports town and sports market in the country; and
Whereas, Boston and Massachusetts have phenomenal enthusiasm for women’s sports, including many professional teams the Boston Fleet (hockey), Boston Guard (lacrosse), Boston Renegades (football), Boston Banshees (rugby), and the soon-to-be Boston Legacy FC (soccer); and
Whereas, Tonight, July 15th, 2025, the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever will play in front of a sold-out crowd at Boston’s TD Garden – the second year in a row that WNBA teams have sold out TD Garden; and
Whereas, Massachusetts has always been a state where women lead both on and off the court and make our communities stronger; and
Whereas, WNBA athletes remind us every day of the talent, hard work and perseverance it takes to succeed in this competitive sport, and they set an incredible example for sports fans across the country; and
Whereas, Boston is New England’s capitol and hub, and would be the perfect place for a WNBA team, and we are so proud to host our neighboring Connecticut Sun,
Now, Therefore, I, Maura T. Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim July 15th, 2025 to be,
WNBA Day in Boston
Last season, the Connecticut Sun made WNBA history playing the first-ever WNBA game at TD Garden, defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 69-61 in a historic sell-out. Attendance at tonight’s game is expected to rival last year’s with over 19,100 people attending the 2024 game.
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（Boston Orange 編譯）美國林業協會（GSD-SAF）花崗岩州分支宣佈，推出全美首創的林業技師產業認證(IRC)，旨在為高中生、轉職人士及其他非傳統學生提供林業職涯的入門途徑。首批學員將於2025年秋季開始上課。
這項新的產業認證為非林業專業人士提供了堅實的基礎，使他們能夠進入核心林業職涯。GSD-SAF執行委員會主席Matthias Nevins指出：「這是全國首個為非專業人士提供林業基本概念和技能基礎的證書。」該證書既可獨立使用，也可作為取得美國林業家協會（SAF）「合格認證林業技術員（CCFT）」認證的先決條件，CCFT是林業技術員的專業標準。
新罕布夏州森林與土地處處長兼州林業官Patrick Hackley強調了這項認證的重要性，並表示這將為對林業感興趣的學生和成人提供有益的職涯路徑。
這項創新計畫是多個組織協同合作的成果，包括GSD-SAF、新罕布夏州林地所有者協會、新罕布夏州林地所有者教育基金會、新罕布夏大學、新罕布夏州森林與土地處以及保育基金會。美國林業家協會執行長Terry Baker表示，這項合作體現了林業領域適應當前和未來勞動力需求的必要性。
該IRC課程共計24個聯絡時數，內容涵蓋線上模組、在新罕布夏大學（UNH）進行的實地技能強化日，以及與林業專業人士的實踐日。課程內容與SAF的CCFT考試領域和知識範圍保持一致，使學生有機會在完成課程後進一步取得CCFT認證。
新罕布夏大學作為該州的旗艦高等學府，其林業學位課程和推廣計畫享譽盛名，並全力支持這項強化州林業產業勞動力的努力。
有興趣的教師、學生、輔導員以及傳統和非傳統勞動力單位，可聯繫新罕布夏州林地所有者協會的Doug Cullen（dcullen@nhtoa.org）了解更多資訊或報名。
Forestry Technician Industry-Recognized Credential Now Available |
Concord, NH – The Granite State Division Society of American Foresters (GSD-SAF) endorses new industry-recognized credential (IRC) now available to high schools, adults looking for career changes, and other non-traditional students. The first cohort goes through the program in the fall of 2025. “While there are IRCs that provide credentials to forestry professionals, this is the first in the nation that provides a foundation for non-professionals, including high schoolers, leading them into a core forestry career. Participants learn about silviculture, forest ecology, and forest management. This credential demonstrates basic literacy in forestry concepts and skills,” notes Matthias Nevins, chair of the GSD-SAF’s executive committee. It serves as a stand-alone IRC or students who are enrolled can use the program as a prerequisite to earn the Society of American Foresters’ (SAF) Candidate Certified Forestry Technician (CCFT) certification, a new certification that is a professional standard for forestry technicians. Earning the IRC and SAF’s nationally recognized CCFT can offer a competitive edge in the workforce. Professional certifications not only provide evidence of competency and an ongoing commitment to learning, they also require adherence to standards of professional practice. Patrick Hackley, director of New Hampshire’s division of forests and lands and state forester, echoes the importance of this IRC. “We have established some great collaborative workforce development efforts in the state, such as the New Hampshire Forest Career Field Day that brings hundreds of students together to learn about forestry careers annually. This is a next step for them, or adults exploring career changes, providing a pathway into rewarding forestry careers.” “Our collaborators in New Hampshire, specifically, the Granite State Division of SAF, NH Timberland Owners Association, New Hampshire Timberland Owners Education Foundation, the University of New Hampshire, NH Division of Forests and Lands, and The Conservation Fund have done a great service to the profession and participants by creating a connection between people who are interested in outdoor work, and the professional ‘gold standard,’ SAF Certified Forestry Technician (CFT). We are excited about the interest and traction we have seen to date.” The Society of American Foresters CEO, Terry Baker expresses why the connection between the IRC program and SAF’s Certified Forestry Technician program makes sense, “For 125 years, SAF has set the standard for forestry practices. This exciting collaboration reflects our need to evolve and meet the workforce needs of today and tomorrow, while serving as an example for many others.” The IRC is comprised of 24 contact hours that are assigned SAF Continuing Forestry Education units. Students participate in a synchronous online introductory program, followed by 7 recorded asynchronous modules on different forestry topics. The participants then spend a day at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) reinforcing field skills under the guidance of faculty and staff before rounding out the IRC by spending a second day with practitioners in the field. The IRC coursework aligns with SAF’s CFT Exam Domains & Knowledge Areas and allows students the opportunity to earn and maintain the Candidate Certified Forestry Technician (CCFT) during the program. Students enrolled in the CFT program in conjunction with the IRC program are required to take the CFT exam within 6 months of completing the program and can level up to the full designation of CFT after passing the examination and meeting the work experience requirements.
Jasen Stock, executive director at New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association (NHTOA), reflects upon recent forest industry workforce development successes in the state. “NHTOA is taking on many of the administrative tasks, and we are happy to do so. This aligns with the broader forest industry workforce development initiative we are employing. This program got established and has so much interest because of the good collaboration and work between the entities involved.” The University of New Hampshire is the flagship post-secondary school in New Hampshire, housing a respected forestry degree program and a nationally recognized Extension program. “UNH wholeheartedly embraces efforts that strengthen the state’s forest industry workforce, and we welcome putting UNH training facilities, infrastructure, and our teaching excellence behind this effort,” says Jesse Stabile Morrell, assistant dean for undergraduate and professional studies with the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire. Teachers, students, guidance counselors, as well as traditional and non-traditional workforce entities, can learn more or enroll by contacting Doug Cullen with the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association at 603-224-9699 or dcullen@nhtoa.org. |
