Workforce Development
Leading CTE Wildland Firefighting Education in Southern Oregon
SOFRC delivers the only wildland firefighting high school CTE program in Southern Oregon, providing students with direct pathways to essential careers in forest management and wildfire response. Through the comprehensive two-semester program at Crater High School, students gain both classroom knowledge and practical, hands-on experience that prepares them for immediate entry into the workforce upon graduation.
Crater High School fire science teacher Caroline Burdick (far left) introduces a career panel featuring local experts in wildland fire and forestry to her CTE students.
Expanding Our Work Across Southern Oregon
Beyond our flagship CTE program, SOFRC supports FireBright high school courses at:
- Illinois Valley High School (Josephine County)
- North Valley High School (Josephine County)
- Butte Falls Charter School (Jackson County)
We are on a mission to ensure that students throughout Southern Oregon’s high-risk fire communities have access to career-building fire science and natural resources education.
Want to bring FireBright to your classroom?
The FireBright curriculum emphasizes a “Learn, Work, Lead” approach that connects classroom learning with real-world application and community leadership opportunities.
Learn – Fire Science in the Classroom and Beyond
Semester 1: Basic Fire Science
Students explore fundamental concepts in fire ecology, forest health, wildfire behavior, wildland firefighting careers, and wildfire-adapted communities using the FireBright curriculum framework. SOFRC staff co-authored the FireBright curriculum with Oregon State University Extension and the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Semester 2: Advanced Fire Science
Students dive deeper into wildland firefighting techniques, advanced fire behavior, wildfire mitigation best practices, and professional fire management practices. Skills and knowledge developed in this course will prepare students for entry into a career as a wildland firefighter and also set the stage for post-secondary education through alignment with partner institutions.
Work – Professional Certifications
Students graduate with industry-recognized wildland firefighting certifications:
- S-130: Firefighter Training
- S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
These federal certifications qualify graduates for entry-level positions with agencies including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Oregon Department of Forestry. Private firefighting contractors also look for these certifications.
Lead – Work-Based Learning and Community Engagement
FireBright students apply their classroom knowledge and professional skills to meaningful capstone projects that benefit their communities and elevate their sense of leadership. Students not only demonstrate mastery of fire science concepts but also showcase communication, project management, and community engagement skills essential for career success in natural resource fields.
Fuel Reduction Projects
Hands-on work reduces wildfire risk by removing blackberry vines, grasses, or shrubs around school buildings, homes, or local businesses.
Defensible Space Assessments
Property evaluations help homeowners prepare for wildfire.
Community Engagement & Outreach
Public education and awareness activities, including tabling at events, teaching classes to younger grades, developing outreach materials, and more.