Grant will empower veterans to develop necessary skills for forest-based careers
Paul Smiths, NY – Paul Smith’s College has received a $999,991 grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) Forest Economy Program, a federal-state initiative that strengthens the evolving forest economy across northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The award will help Paul Smith’s College launch its Troops to Timber (T2T) workforce initiative, preparing veterans, military families, and other jobseekers for skilled careers in forestry, logging, arboriculture, and forest management.
“We are deeply grateful for the steadfast support of New York’s federal delegation, including Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, whose leadership has been instrumental in advancing investments and workforce initiatives across the North Country,” said Dan Kelting, President of Paul Smith’s College. “This award recognizes that rural colleges like Paul Smith’s College are essential to turning those investments into real results by creating accessible training pathways, preparing skilled workers, and helping build stronger, more resilient communities across the North Country.”
This grant comes at a time when 33% of veterans struggle to find a job that matches their education, training, or experience. With T2T, veterans will gain the skills they need through an expanded curriculum, training equipment, safety certifications, and hands-on experience with employers to support their entry into the forest-based workforce. The program also aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul’s Next Move NY initiative and key North Country Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) priorities by expanding workforce development pipelines and supporting veterans and military communities in northern New York.
“We are excited to welcome Paul Smith’s College’s Troops to Timber program to the Fort Drum community. ‘What will I do when my time in service is through’ and ‘how will I make my service matter’ are the two big questions transitioning soldiers and their spouses ask themselves. Troops to Timber provides soldiers, veterans, and military-connected spouses the opportunity to make their love for the outdoors part of their career. Paul Smith’s successful history as the nation’s premier college for timber and forestry management programs makes them the perfect partner as we provide this amazing opportunity to our soldiers, veterans, and military spouses. I am certain this program will change the lives of many of our soldiers and make their service and transition from service meaningful,” said Craig A. McNamara, Fort Drum Transition Service Manager.
North Country REDC Co-Chair and St. Lawrence University President Dr. Kathryn Morris said, “The North Country REDC has prioritized the successful transition of military service members and their families across our seven-county region. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s support, our Next Move NY initiative is building the most robust transitioning soldier and spouse retention-to-workforce pipeline in the nation. Troops to Timber is a welcome new initiative that dovetails with Next Move NY and our core workforce development goals to actively strengthen the North Country’s talent pipeline and bolster our economy. Congratulations to Paul Smith’s College on securing this generous NBRC grant.”
T2T reflects Paul Smith’s College’s deep and historic commitment to serving veterans and transitioning service members. Since opening its doors in 1946—when World War II veterans made up a significant share of the college’s first class—Paul Smith’s College has supported military-affiliated students through dedicated programming and outdoor and technical training. In partnership with Fort Drum and regional forest-sector employers, T2T builds on this legacy while reinforcing the college’s national reputation for hands-on forestry education. During its first year, T2T will launch six micro-credential courses at Fort Drum and introduce the college’s first hybrid Forestry Certificate program, training up to 20 participants with plans for future expansion.
“Troops to Timber is a powerful example of what Paul Smith’s College does best: deliver immersive, hands-on forestry education that directly meets the workforce needs of the North Country,” said Brett McLeod, Dean of Faculty and Professor of Forestry at Paul Smith’s College. “With the generous support of NBRC, we are helping drive the growth and resilience of the North Country’s forest-based economy by equipping transitioning soldiers and veterans to translate their military skills into high-demand forestry careers.”
T2T is a strategic component of the college’s rapidly expanding Battlefish Academy, a training program designed to provide veterans with real-world skills in the outdoor, natural-resource, and forest-based economies. As part of Battlefish Academy, T2T is built for long-term sustainability through integration into Paul Smith’s College’s academic programs and continued collaboration with employers and state agencies.
For more information on T2T, please visit paulsmiths.edu.
Additional Resources
- Paul Smith’s College Launches VA-Endorsed Veteran-Focused Battlefish Academy
- Protecting 2,800 Acres In Partnership With Paul Smith’s College
- Paul Smith’s College & NYS DEC dedicate Hoyt and Peroni Memorial Forest
About Paul Smith’s College
At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. As the only four-year college located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith’s provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We are able to draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive and adventurous individuals collectively provide experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu.
Media Contact
Sara Delacruz
PRforPaulSmiths@bospar.com
