Mono County And Cerro Coso Community College Partner to Launch Recreation Internship Program

MONO COUNTY, Calif. (June 4, 2026) - The Mono County Department of Public Works' Sustainable Outdoors & Recreation (SOAR) division has partnered with Cerro Coso Community College to offer a new recreation internship program. Designed to create direct pathways into outdoor industry careers, this collaboration aims to cultivate a skilled local workforce capable of managing the abundant, world-class public lands within Mono County's high-use recreation areas.

Cerro Coso Community College recently launched two specialized educational programs: Sustainable Outdoors Recreation Leadership (SORL) and Forestry, Climate, and Conservation (FRCC). Available at the college's Bishop and Mammoth Lakes locations near Mono County, these programs utilize an experiential learning model that combines field science, leadership, adventure, and public service.

A central component of the SORL and FRCC curriculum is the work experience element. By collaborating with local outdoor recreation managers and support agencies, the internship program provides students with real-world industry experience, college credits, and networking opportunities for future local employment.

Mono County SOAR is actively participating in this initiative by hosting student interns directly within the division. The partnership is designed to train and connect with potential future candidates for positions within the county's recreation division or its partner agencies. Mono County SOAR is currently piloting its first official internship, with the long-term goal of continuing to offer these opportunities to support Cerro Coso's students as capacity allows.

For questions or further information regarding the internship program and partnership, please contact Sustainable Recreation Superintendent Marcella Rose at (760) 616-4953.

About Mono County Sustainable Outdoors & Recreation (SOAR)

Mono County SOAR is a division of the Mono County Department of Public Works dedicated to supporting local public lands, workforce development, and sustainable recreation management across the region.

About Cerro Coso Community College SORL and FRCC

Cerro Coso Community College provides experiential learning pathways in Sustainable Outdoors Recreation Leadership (SORL) and Forestry, Climate, and Conservation (FRCC) through its regional campuses in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes.

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