Spokane Colleges has established a new Associate of Applied Science–Transfer (AAS-T) degree agreement with the University of Idaho. New students in Spokane Community College’s Natural Resource Studies AAS-T program will be eligible upon graduation to transfer directly into the University of Idaho’s Wildlife – Human/Wildlife Interactions Bachelor of Science program.
The agreement was orchestrated by Spokane Colleges’ Director of Tribal Relations Dr. Naomi Bender and the University of Idaho’s Executive Director of Tribal Relations, Dr. Yolanda Bisbee, and reflects workforce challenges Tribal leaders and natural resource professionals identified during the 2025 Government-to-Government Natural Resource Summit, including a need for transfer options that help Tribal students advance their education while preparing for careers close to home.
Tribal governments are among the region’s largest employers in natural resource fields, including fisheries, wildlife management, and environmental stewardship. Many positions have historically been filled by candidates from outside the region. Partnerships between local Tribes and Spokane Community College’s Natural Resource programs are helping prepare local students — including Tribal members — for these roles.
“Graduates of our programs currently lead resource agencies for Tribes in our region, and we are thrilled that about one quarter of our current first-year students are tribally-affiliated,” said Marilyn Nielson, a member of Spokane Community College’s Environmental Science Faculty.
“This is the kind of growth and support from higher education institutions that Tribal Nations can stand behind,” said Ralph Allan Jr., an SCC Natural Resource graduate and current Deputy Director of Natural Resources for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. “Our Tribal Governments rely on our membership to preserve, protect, restore, and enhance our natural resources. Creating clear educational pathways like this empowers our people to lead that work in meaningful ways, promoting education while ensuring the future of our lands and resources.”
"Today, a milestone is taking place,” said Warren Seyler of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, who was instrumental in bringing the agreement to fruition through talks with Spokane Colleges’ Office of Tribal Relations. “With the efforts of Spokane Colleges and the strengthened relationship with the University of Idaho, a stronger pathway for natural resource students is being established. What was once an education hurdle is now an advanced career pathway. The Pacific Northwest's tribes, states, and environmental organizations will all see benefits."
Spokane Community College has also added a one-year Forest and Wildlife Sampling certificate and a new Freshwater Fisheries AAS degree to its Natural Resource offerings.
“The new AAS-T degree will provide more options for our graduates to take their education further, and confidence that their hard work and investment will pay off,” said Nielson. “At the other end of the spectrum, the new Forest and Wildlife Sampling Certificate will offer an accessible entry point into the field that can be expanded on later.”
Under the leadership of its Office of Tribal Relations in collaboration with partner Tribal Relations Offices in the region, Spokane Colleges will continue conversations with Tribal partners, students, and employers at the next Tribal Natural Resource Summit, scheduled for April 14, 2026 from 8:00 am to 4:30 p.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Casino and Resort Hotel in Worley, Idaho. The event brings together Tribal governments, educators, and natural resource professionals to discuss workforce needs, education pathways, and stewardship of regional resources.