The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) has launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing the outdoor recreation economy in Maine. This program, in collaboration with the state's outdoor recreation industry, focuses on developing a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of this vital sector.
Key Takeaways
- Partnership: UMF collaborates with Maine’s outdoor recreation industry to create a workforce development initiative.
- Program Focus: The initiative is anchored in UMF’s Outdoor Recreation Business Administration program.
- Funding: The program has secured $584,750 in external grant funding to support its goals.
- Industry Integration: Students will gain hands-on experience through internships and industry connections.
Overview of the Initiative
The newly established "Western Maine Outdoor Recreation Hub of Excellence" aims to address the current and future needs for skilled professionals in the outdoor recreation sector. This initiative is designed to provide students with essential business knowledge, practical internship experiences, and valuable industry connections.
Joseph McDonnell, president of UMF, emphasized the importance of integrating student preparation with the outdoor recreation industry, stating, "Now more than ever, our students and industry employers will work hand-in-hand to foster a vibrant and sustainable four-season outdoor recreation economy for today and the future."
Alignment with State Goals
This initiative aligns with Maine’s 10-Year Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap, which outlines strategies for sustainable growth and diversification in the outdoor recreation sector. The roadmap aims to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities that can help propel Maine’s outdoor economy forward.
Student Opportunities
Students enrolled in the Outdoor Recreation Business Administration program will benefit from real-world internships with various outdoor recreation businesses. These internships are designed to provide hands-on experience and help students build a robust network of professional contacts.
For instance, Jay Schwartz, a senior in the ORBA program, has taken on a significant role as the Director of Outdoor Education, leveraging his previous experience as a camp counselor. Similarly, Oliver Woodward is gaining valuable insights into retail operations through his internship at Sugarloaf Mountain.
Funding and Support
The initiative has received substantial financial backing, including:
- $475,000 Grant: From the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.
- $105,000 Grant: From the Betterment Fund, focusing on benefiting residents in the Western Mountains region.
- Additional Contributions: From local employers such as Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Camp Manitou, and Camp O-AT-KA.
These funds will enhance industry partnerships and facilitate collaboration between outdoor recreation employers and UMF students, ensuring that the workforce is well-prepared to meet industry demands.
Future Prospects
Austin French, the internship coordinator and project director for the initiative, highlighted the need for strong leaders and innovative entrepreneurs to drive economic impact in the outdoor recreation sector. He stated, "The ORBA program is uniquely positioned to cultivate this next generation of industry leaders through collaborative partnerships that include high-quality internship experiences and project-based learning opportunities."
With continued support from local businesses and government, the initiative aims to achieve a 10% growth in Maine's outdoor recreation economy by 2035, ensuring a sustainable future for this vital sector.