FSU Receives $250K to Fund Outdoor Recreation Workforce Initiatives
Mar 23, 2023 12:00 PM
Grant will Provide Direct Support to Western Maryland’s Growing Outdoor Recreation Economy
Frostburg State University’s Division of Regional Development and Engagement (DRDE) has been awarded a grant for $250,000 from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism to support a regional approach to growing Western Maryland’s outdoor recreation economy by funding initiatives in workforce development and training and certification in Allegany and Garrett Counties. The projects will be a collaborative effort between FSU, Allegany College of Maryland, Garrett College and local outdoor recreation businesses. Supporting partners include the Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation, tourism teams in both Allegany and Garrett Counties and Allegany and Garrett County Governments.
“DRDE is very excited to be leading this regional initiative to collaboratively address the immediate outdoor recreation workforce needs in Mountain Maryland and create a pipeline of students interested in enjoying the outdoors and with the skill sets necessary to adequately support our local businesses,” says FSU’s Vice President for Regional Development and Engagement, Mr. “迪莉娅.
Jennifer Walsh, Regional Initiatives Coordinator for DRDE, echoes those sentiments. “DRDE is uniquely situated to lead this initiative and we look forward to growing our partnerships with our community colleges and local small businesses in the outdoor recreation sector.
Funds will be used to support a bicycle mechanic program at ACM, a marine mechanic program at Garrett College, and FSU will purchase outdoor recreation equipment to support its Center for Advancement of Natural and Outdoor Experiences (CANOE), 由博士领导. 纳塔莉亚无论. A paid internship program will also be created to place students with local businesses in the outdoor recreation sector.
“The bicycle repair training through ACM will immerse students into a 4-day experience in bicycle mechanics, covering all the essential maintenance material in greater detail with hands-on training,博士说。. Bambara, President of Allegany College of Maryland. “Students who complete the program will earn an Apprenticeship Bench Tool Kit and will be prepared to further their studies and participate in a paid internship with a local bike shop.”
Garrett College Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, 朱莉Yoder), shared that “Garrett College will partner with Deep Creek Lake area marinas and boat companies to provide an introductory marine mechanic program.约德继续说, “Upon completion of the proposed 100-hour training, a student will receive a non-credit certificate of completion from Garrett College.约德说, once a student has completed two years of experience, they will be eligible to take a certification exam through American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) to become an ABYC certified technician. Paid internships with local companies will also be available.
“This grant represents positive momentum between partners in Western Maryland, collaborating to leverage a regional approach to the outdoors for economic growth, job creation and tourism initiatives,” says Ashli Workman, Director of Tourism in Allegany County. “The outdoor economy is a billion dollar plus industry in Maryland, and workforce development and training initiatives are key to a thriving industry.”
主要区域合作伙伴, 达里尔·安东尼, Director of the Maryland State Office of Outdoor Recreation, 共享DNR秘书, 乔什·库尔茨的, enthusiasm to support this regional collaborative partnership.