Outdoor Recreation Economy

The Outdoor Recreation Economy Graduate Program invites esteemed guest speakers and industry professionals to join our classes so they can provide our students with invaluable real-world insights and perspectives on the outdoor recreation sector. Featuring leaders such as Annie Kao, founder of Ascent Inclusion, and Rebecca Gillis, state & local...

This fall, the Outdoor Recreation Economy program launched its newest graduate certificate, Inclusivity in the Outdoor Recreation Economy . This certificate is designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead the transformation toward a more equitable outdoor industry, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity and...

The Outdoor Recreation Economy program is led by dedicated faculty with many years of experience in the outdoor industry. They’re passionate about helping students immerse themselves in the outdoor industry and make meaningful connections with outdoor organizations through project courses and networking opportunities. We asked them a few questions so...

The Inclusivity in the ORE graduate certificate focuses on developing a more welcoming and inclusive outdoor recreation economy and expanding access to the outdoors to everyone by offering students tools and strategies to effectively lead the transition to a more equitable outdoor industry.

The Outdoor Recreation Economy program co-hosted the Rockies Playground Outdoor Industry Strategy Summit in Eagle, Colorado, on August 22. Hosted with the Vail Valley Partnership, the event brought together outdoor industry professionals from across Colorado to discuss the future of the outdoor industry in the region. Among the sold-out event...

A member of the Masters in Outdoor Recreation Economy Program’s inaugural class, Cassie Elrod has leveraged her graduate studies to earn an exciting new role in the outdoor industry. Cassie shares her journey from a law school graduate and practicing attorney to an outdoor enthusiast, and finally, a member of...

As a dedicated management professional, Juliana DeFriese found the Outdoor Recreation Economy program at CU Boulder as a professional development tool to sharpen her skills and expand her expertise for her current role with the US Forest Service. “I’m originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, but I moved to Columbia, South Carolina...

Emily Walbridge has always been drawn to the outdoors, as an avid participant and as a professional. When she decided it was time to return to graduate school and earn a master’s degree, she knew a program focused on the outdoor industry would be the right fit. Now, she’s earning...