A new degree program in Colorado aims to train business leaders for the fast-growing outdoor recreation industry in the Mountain West.
Sarah Shrader, who works in the outdoor industry herself as the co-owner of , is spearheading the at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.
鈥淭hat industry needs a skilled and talented workforce and we are hoping to provide that to them,鈥 she said.
Students in the major will take classes in business, environmental policy, environmental science, biology, and marketing and sales. They鈥檒l also take field courses to help foster outdoor leadership and risk management.
鈥淚t just cues up these kids to go into outdoor rec businesses, become product developers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and service providers within the industry,鈥 Shrader said.
Outdoor recreation contributes to state GDPs across the Mountain West鈥攈igher than most other parts of the country.
The new degree program is set to begin this fall.
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