Recognizing the immense value the outdoor industry provides to our people, planet, and economy, Oregon State University has established the Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy (CORE). CORE was developed and launched through Impact Studio’s methodology and entered scale-up in 2021.

CORE at Oregon State University (OSU) demonstrates the University's commitment to putting knowledge to work to support the greater good by developing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. Building on more than 150 years as Oregon's land grant university, OSU serves the state, the nation, and the world as a premier 21st-century, research-intensive public university with impact and accountability. CORE was created after extensive conversations with outdoor industry leaders to address the growing skills gap and challenges in outdoor recreation industry workforce recruiting and retention. Through research, partnerships, and industry-informed technical skills and leadership training programs, CORE is dedicated to meeting the needs of the industry while helping people from all backgrounds get new and better jobs in the outdoor recreation economy.

Visit the Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy website