The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) is taking an exciting step to train the next generation of leaders in Maine’s outdoor recreation industry. Through its partnership with the state’s four-season outdoor economy, UMF is launching the “Western Maine Outdoor Recreation Hub of Excellence” to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals. Built around the Outdoor Recreation Business Administration (ORBA) program, this initiative is a milestone for both UMF and Maine’s outdoor industry.

The Western Maine Outdoor Recreation Hub of Excellence

UMF’s ORBA program has always focused on providing students with industry-ready skills. Its new workforce development initiative takes this further by combining education with hands-on industry collaboration.

The “Western Maine Outdoor Recreation Hub of Excellence” connects students directly with Maine’s outdoor recreation industry through internships and projects. These experiences, paired with a strong academic foundation, prepare students for leadership roles in Maine’s outdoor recreation economy.

Bridging Education and Industry

This initiative goes beyond meeting academic needs—it supports Maine’s 10-Year Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap by focusing on sustainable growth, addressing challenges, and seizing opportunities in line with the state’s vision.

Jenny Kordick, Executive Director of Maine Outdoor Brands, highlighted how ORBA program graduates are already leading at some of Maine’s most innovative outdoor companies. This initiative builds on that success, addressing the outdoor recreation sector’s need for skilled professionals to drive growth and innovation.

Real-World Career Development Experiences

Students in UMF’s ORBA program don’t just learn—they gain real-world experience to prepare for the outdoor recreation industry.

For example, senior Jay Schwartz turned his camp counselor background into an internship as Director of Outdoor Education at Camp O-AT-KA. Similarly, Oliver Woodward got hands-on experience in retail operations during his internship at Sugarloaf Mountain.

These opportunities ensure students graduate ready to succeed in the workforce.

Transformative Funding and Support

The Western Maine Outdoor Recreation Hub was built on strong external funding and partnerships, securing $584,750 in grants, including a $475,000 three-year grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) and $105,000 from the Betterment Fund. Employers like Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Camp Manitou, and Camp O-AT-KA also provide crucial support, helping position Western Maine as a leader in outdoor recreation.

Partnerships with organizations such as Saddleback Mountain, Titcomb Mountain, Main Street Skowhegan, and Maine Outdoor Brands provide vital industry connections and career opportunities for students. These collaborations ensure seamless workforce development, bridging education, skill-building, and employment in Maine’s outdoor recreation sector.

Maine’s Outdoor Economy: A Key Growth Opportunity

Maine aims to grow its outdoor recreation economy by 10% by 2035, requiring strong leaders to scale businesses and bold entrepreneurs to launch new ventures.

UMF’s ORBA program, in partnership with industry leaders, is ready to meet this demand. With internships, project-based learning, and strategic partnerships, the program prepares graduates to drive Maine’s outdoor economy forward.

Austin French, UMF internship coordinator and project director, highlighted how these partnerships help students build leadership and problem-solving skills. As an ORBA alum, French also credited Maine’s community and government leaders for supporting this initiative.

The Big Picture

Workforce development programs like the Western Maine Outdoor Recreation Hub of Excellence highlight a growing trend of universities and industries partnering for mutual benefits. These initiatives tackle industry challenges while helping universities provide education with real-world value for students.

Such collaborations rely on innovation, efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. They foster talent and position organizations and institutions as leaders in their fields.

The Role of FirstIgnite in Transformative Partnerships

FirstIgnite connects academic institutions and industries, driving innovation and collaboration.

Our AI-powered platform helps universities and businesses find the right partners and launch projects faster than traditional methods. With FirstIgnite, programs like UMF’s ORBA can scale and expand their impact.

Looking to grow your partnerships? Contact FirstIgnite today to see how our AI tools make collaboration simple and efficient.