POTLATCH — Potlatch High School has received almost $1 million in funding for a forestry and natural resource program.

The school received a grant from the Idaho Career Ready Students Council for $989,198 to create the program, according to a news release from the Idaho State Department of Education.

The council awarded grants to schools to expand career technical education for Idaho students. Schools submitted proposals for funds for new programs, capital projects and existing programs and upgrades. Awards are given based on partnership with local industry, sustainability of the program, responsiveness to the community and workforce needs. The council is an 11-member group, with Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield serving as its chairperson, according to the news release.

“With over $16,000,000 awarded today, it’s evident that our educational communities not only have a need when it comes to CTE, but that they’re motivated to take steps to capture funds and reform their programs for the benefit of their students and communities,” Critchfield said. “As these grants hit our learning communities and this program matures, I’ll be eager to see how the work that the council did today will create opportunities for students and communities throughout Idaho.”