Investing in Oregon’s Outdoor Future: OOA Launches Three New Scholarship Programs

In 2025, Oregon Outdoor Alliance reached an exciting milestone in our ongoing effort to strengthen and elevate Oregon’s outdoor industry, specifically in the outdoor gear and apparel sector. Earlier this year, OOA was awarded a $200,000 grant from Business Oregon, with matching support from long-standing partners like REI and OMEP. This investment is a testament to the collective belief that Oregon’s outdoor industry economy thrives when we actively nurture the next generation of innovators, creators, and small business leaders.

As part of this grant, OOA has allocated $15,000 to launch three new scholarship programs across Oregon universities and colleges. These scholarships are designed to support students and emerging entrepreneurs who are pursuing careers that will shape the future of outdoor products, sports innovation, and small-business development in our state.

Below is an overview of each program and how they’re helping remove barriers, fuel creativity, and drive opportunities for Oregon’s outdoor industry talent pipeline.

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OSU–Cascades Outdoor Products Program

OOA is proud to support students in the OSU-Cascades Outdoor Products program. An academic track that’s quickly becoming a hub for creativity, design thinking, and product innovation rooted in the Central Oregon landscape.

Our scholarship funding helps students cover essential costs tied to brand projects, design development, and senior capstone work. Whether they’re prototyping new equipment, building out technical product systems, or collaborating with real-world brands, these funds help ensure financial limitations don’t slow down inspired ideas.

Students currently enrolled in the Outdoor Products program can apply directly through their professors and program leadership.
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University of Oregon Sports Product Management Program

At the University of Oregon’s Sports Product Management program, OOA is helping expand what’s possible for graduate students working on complex, hands-on projects that bridge sport, design, business, and innovation.

Our scholarship funds supplement existing project budgets which leads to unlocking new opportunities for students to elevate the quality and ambition of their work. Funding can be used for prototype materials, testing needs, travel to visit established outdoor and sports brands, and other project-critical expenses.

These funds are being deployed immediately to support students currently enrolled in the SPM program, ensuring this next generation of product leaders has the resources to bring fresh ideas and impactful solutions to life.

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Central Oregon Community College – Small Business Development Center

Building a thriving outdoor industry also means supporting the small businesses that fuel our regional economy. That’s why OOA has partnered with the COCC Small Business Development Center to offer scholarships for outdoor-focused entrepreneurs.

These scholarships cover the cost of SBDC administrative, marketing, and financial courses | resources that are often critical for first-time founders and small teams looking to scale. From refining business plans to improving financial literacy to understanding digital marketing strategies, these courses equip new and growing outdoor businesses with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.

There are courses available now - Check them out here!
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Looking Ahead

OOA’s mission has always been centered on championing the people, organizations, and ideas that make Oregon’s outdoor industry remarkable. These new scholarship programs reflect that mission in action demonstrating how creating pathways for students, innovators, and entrepreneurs to develop their skills and bring their passions to life creates a more robust industry.

We’re grateful to Business Oregon, REI, OMEP, and our broader network of partners who continue to invest in the future of Oregon’s outdoor economy. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected, and more innovative ecosystem for years to come!

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