Winnebago and Camber Outdoors Team Up for Summer Internship Program
The New Initiative Looks to Promote Inclusion and Diversity in the Outdoor Industry
Image Caption: Image Courtesy of Winnebago
The team at Winnebago has been busy of late. Not only have they taken its prototype electric RV on a cross-country road trip this summer, but they’ve also found time to create a smartphone app for owners. But, that isn’t the only thing the iconic company has been up to. Recently, it also announced that it has partnered with Camber Outdoors to create an internship program designed to promote inclusion, diversity, and equity in the workplace.
Camber Outdoors is a nonprofit that promotes inclusion, diversity, and equity in the outdoor industry. The organization’s Future of Work program looks to do that by placing students from communities often excluded from the outdoor space with companies within the industry. The goal is to bring diverse voices and ideas to those companies and make the industry more broadly inclusive.
When Camber launched the initiative, the Winnebago Industries Foundation was one of the first to step up and join the effort. The organization has pledged multi-year support for the program that will initially place fifteen interns with five companies within the outdoor industry. Eventually, the goal is to expand to as many as 125 interns in a wide variety of roles with partner companies.
Image Courtesy of WInnebago
“The outdoors are for all,” said Michael Happe, Winnebago Industries CEO, in a press release announcing the partnership. “At Winnebago Industries, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace, where our employees know and feel that they belong.” He added, “We are pleased to partner with Camber Outdoors and other outdoor companies to engage the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.”
“Outdoor recreation career opportunities are vast and growing,” said Tiffany Smith, Camber Outdoors Chief Executive Officer. “We anticipate this early, positive employment experience will strengthen talent pathways, leading to more inclusive and diverse workplaces.”
Working with more than 200 organizations in the outdoor industry, Camber has identified what it calls a “talent pathway gap.” In the past, this gap has prevented students from traditionally marginalized communities from breaking through the glass ceiling and joining the $887 billion outdoor recreation sector. These internships have the potential to change that.
To find out more, visit the Camber Outdoors website.
