Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy
Request Info
Cascade-Range-from-Campus

About OREI

Why the Outdoor Recreation Economy Initiative was Started

Outdoor recreation spans many activities, from traditional recreation like camping and hiking to more casual outdoor pastimes like gardening and outdoor festivals. Oregon State University is taking a leadership role in partnering with outdoor industry companies, agencies and nonprofits to create pathways to new and better jobs in the outdoor economy.

Through the Outdoor Recreation Economy Initiative, Oregon State aims to create a nationally recognized workforce development portal to accelerate the growth of this rapidly expanding industry; serving industry, nonprofits and public agencies.

adrianunsplash
/* note */

“This initiative has been spurred on because of a loud and clear message from the outdoor industry that we need to be doing more to fill the opportunity gap. I would say we're already there. Companies are interested and what we need at this point is help refining exactly the type of training that will support their success ... they're bought in.”
~ Cailin O’Brien-Feeney

"The outdoors have so many benefits to people, to their health, to livelihood, to recreation, and so there are just so many things that the outdoors can do for people."

~ Angelou Ezeilo
"I think it's really important for the outdoor industry to embrace this time. There's a lot of growth opportunity for the industry to really make an impact on our state, our nation, counties and the lives of people who may love the outdoors right now or may not know that they love the outdoors."
~ Erin Gaines

Where Did We Start?

The outdoor recreation industry is growing, both nationally and in Oregon, and it is a huge economic driver and multiplier for our communities. That is why OSU launched the Outdoor Recreation Economy Initiative to address this critical need for workforce development in outdoor recreation sectors.
Learn More

Where Are We Now?

We are currently identifying, testing and iterating non-degree credentials and trainings that will complement existing degree programs at Oregon State University and  working to allow greater access to the outdoors for all.
Learn More

Where Are We Going?

We are currently working with existing partners in the development of two workforce training programs—one focused on upskilling the CURRENT workforce and the other focused on developing the FUTURE workforce. These pilot programs will launch in Spring 2020.
Learn More
adrian

Value Outdoor Industry Provides

The outdoor recreation industry is growing, both nationally and in Oregon, and it is a huge economic driver and multiplier for our communities. That is why OSU launched the Outdoor Recreation Economy Initiative to address this critical need for workforce development in outdoor recreation sectors.
Learn More
Oregon Story
Outdoor recreation is core to the character and quality of life we enjoy in Oregon, and it is a big part of why people live here.
Learn More
Future Ready Oregon
We aim to address growing industry needs by providing workers in the outdoor recreation industry with the skills and training they need to advance in their careers.
Learn More
Why OSU?
Oregon State University understands the invaluable role the outdoors plays for our state, communities and residents.
Learn More
Staff Page
Find out more about the people behind this initiative at Oregon State University
Learn More
Design_02

Discover What's Out There for You

About OREI

The outdoor industry is a powerhouse of meaningful job creation and a driving force of Oregon’s economy, creating a unique quality of life in rural and urban areas and attracting new businesses and professional talent to our communities.
Learn More

Workforce Training

Oregon State University has a proven track record of building custom and non-credit workforce trainings, from self-paced learning opportunities to online continuing education classes, and is uniquely positioned to do this work for the outdoor recreation economy.
Learn More

Career Pathways

There are many job opportunities in the outdoor recreation economy for those with the right skills and experience. We are currently building a database of job openings along with various pathways to help you build out your credentials and get to work.
Learn More
OREI

Who We Are

OREI was created to join forces with private and public partners to strategically address a critical need for workforce development identified in Oregon and beyond.

Learn more about the OREI team.

Get Involved

Take the first step to get involved with accelerating the growth of this rapidly expanding industry.

Contact us

We’d love to hear from you! Let us know if you have any questions or comments about the initiative!
541-737-4197
Email Us
© Oregon State University | All Rights Reserved