The Outdoor Product Design & Development program prides itself on teaching relevant, highly attractive technical skills requested by industry. Whether through involvement with faculty in crafting new curriculum or in exploring additional partnership opportunities, industry involvement is crucial to the success of OPDD students as well as the future of the sports and outdoor industries.
In keeping with a strong focus on students, faculty, and the community, it is our desire to create opportunities for industry to become strategic partners of the new program. To discuss partnership opportunities, please reach out to Chase Anderson, OPDD Program Coordinator at chase.anderson@usu.edu.
Some opportunities for industry involvement include the following:
Guest Lecture / Off Campus Site Visits
Throughout the course curriculum, there are opportunities for industry partners to speak to students in class or for classes to lead off-campus site visits of local industry.
Sponsored Projects
Upper division students are challenged with real-world design and development problems provided by partner companies. Sponsored projects provide great experience and exposure for students as well as an opportunity to solicit new ideas and identify student talent for future employment by companies.
Scholarships
Contributions to OPDD scholarship funds and the creation of endowments invest in and ensure students can focus on excelling in their design and development studies.
Facility & Equipment Funding
Naming opportunities exist for individuals and organizations interested in expanding program capacity and capabilities through investment in new facility space and equipment.
In-Kind Contributions
Whether contributing excess fabric, composites, or other materials in the classroom or gear to expand the program Gear Library, in-kind contributions provide hands-on opportunities for students to learn from successful companies.
Advisory Board
Outdoor Product Design & Development Advisory Board members are critical contributors to the success of the OPDD students and the program. Board Members are instrumental in the creation of curriculum as well as provide accountability so the program remains innovative and current to the needs of the industry. In addition, board members participate in advisory meetings, exit interviews with senior students, as well as provide financial commitment as an investment into the success of the students and program at large.
Get to know the Advisory Board members.
