Oregon State University's Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy is delivering a new kind of workforce development to meet the unique needs of the vast, extremely entrepreneurial, and rapidly growing outdoor recreation industry. Fueled by both the resources of an R1 research university and deep ties with policy makers and industry leaders across the country, we are researching the industry’s opportunities for growth along with the challenges (such as skills gaps, barriers to access, structural challenges inclusion and regulatory barriers) that have held the industry back from its full potential as a driver of economic, social and environmental benefits. Our applied, relevant, stackable trainings are supporting a thriving economy where people from all walks of life build meaningful careers doing what they love.