Recreation Education

Project Description: Cerro Coso Community College and MLTPA worked together through an innovative partnership to implement the Eastern Sierra Regional Recreation and Education Jobs Creation project, the official name of this Sierra Jobs First funded project. Cerro Coso Community College developed a Sustainable Outdoor Recreation and Forestry, Climate, and Conservation degree pathways program with integrated internships and work experience that collaborated with local organizations and MLTPA to provide students with experiential learning opportunities and tangible project experience. Columbia College collaborated through their nationally recognized natural resources, forestry, fire, and hospitality programs. In addition to working on projects such as trail building, GPS/GIS, and data collection, students had the opportunity to gain job related skills such as heavy machine operations and chainsaw certifications as well as exposure to Wilderness Medicine with Wilderness First Aid credentials.

Catalyst Project Outcomes

Cerro Coso & Columbia College Exchange

Click to view an article celebrating five students completing Wildland Fuels Management, Equipment Operation, and paid work experience at Columbia College, with two students accepting positions with Groveland Wildland Fire Crew.

Cerro Coso Programs: Forestry, Climate, and Recreation

Click to view an article highlighting the Mono County Department of Public Works’ Sustainable Outdoors & Recreation division (SOAR) hiring an intern through the Cerro Coso Sustainable Outdoors Recreation Leadership (SORL) and Forestry, Climate, and Conservation (FRCC) programs.

Eastern Sierra Outdoor Career Mini-Academy

15 Mono and Inyo County students completed training and field trips to forestry, wildland firefighting, and outdoor recreation worksites. This mini-academy also served as academic support for Cerro Coso's Forestry, Fire, and Outdoor Recreation academic pathways.

Catalyst Project Background Materials

Cerro Coso Outdoor Recreation Leadership

Click here to find more information and enroll for classes with Cerro Coso's Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Leadership (SORL) and Forestry, Climate, and Conservation (FRCC) programs.

Scholarships from Mammoth Lakes Foundation

Since 2003, MLF has awarded over 750 scholarships to support local students at Cerro Coso’s Mammoth Campus. Scholarships cover tuition, books, and offer mentorship, networking, and community engagement through events like Scholar Brunch and volunteer service.

Catalyst Project Development

PROJECT PROPOSAL

Click to view the initial proposal for the Eastern Sierra Regional Climate and Recreation Jobs Creation project, including applicant, project, and funding information alongside project alignment with California Jobs First goals and project management details.

SIERRA BUSINESS COUNCIL CATALYST PROJECT WEB PAGE

The Sierra Business Council has created a web page for this specific project. Access their web page for specific information on the amount of the Jobs First Catalyst award, project partners, counties of impact, and the project description as awarded by the Sierra Jobs First Governing Council.

Last updated September 29, 2026

This project is funded by Sierra Jobs First and created to support the initiative’s mission of creating a community-led, climate-neutral, inclusive future for our industry in the Sierra region. Through our partnership with Sierra Business Council, regional conveners and fiscal administrators for California Jobs First in the Sierra region, we provide industry-specific assistance that supports job growth, inclusive workforce development, and economic resilience, while protecting our region’s natural lands and vibrant communities.