Recreation Education

Project Description: Cerro Coso Community College, the U.S. Forest Service, and MLTPA will work together through an innovative partnership to implement the Eastern Sierra Regional Climate and Recreation 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 will collaborate with the U.S. Forest Service and MLTPA to provide students with experiential learning opportunities and tangible project experience. Columbia College intends to collaborate through their nationally recognized natural resources, forestry, fire, and hospitality programs. In addition to working at the direction of US Forest Service staff and District Rangers, field projects will include creation of an asset inventory of recreation infrastructure and related assets for jurisdictions located within region, providing GPS/GIS spatial data and location information for mapping, along with key attribute information regarding individual assets. The Inyo National Forest will provide public lands stewardship experience via mentorship of Cerro Coso student interns.

Outdoor Recreation Work Experience Program

Through Sierra Jobs First, MLTPA and Cerro Coso College offer project-based internships on the Inyo National Forest. Students earn 2 college credits with 108 hours of work. Interns gain skills, on-the-job training, and explore careers in outdoor recreation.

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Forestry, Climate, and Conservation Work Experience - FRCC C191X

Earn credit for employment, internship, or volunteer work in forest, climate and conservation work in outdoor recreation. Opportunities include instruction and guiding, trail maintenance, outdoor education, and interpretation.

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.

Last updated August 7, 2025

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.