This Summer we are stoked to be working with two interns from Oregon State University’s Outdoor Product Bachelor’s Program that will be getting a behind-the scenes look at design, development, and product creation here at TREW Gear. 

TREW was lucky enough to receive a grant from Oregon Outdoor Alliance, a Statewide nonprofit based in Bend, OR to make this internship possible. Backing that up even further, the folks at Business Oregon (Oregon State's economic development agency) had selected OOA as a recipient of their larger grant program earlier in the year, which then made it's way to us. Don't you just love when awesome things line up! We are grateful it all came together!

Without Further Adieu meet OSU Cascades Students Jack McMillan and Jacqueline Folsom.

Meet Jack

"Hey everyone! I’m Jack.

I'm going into my senior year at OSU Cascades, earning a bachelors in outdoor products. I aim to bring fresh, innovative, practical design that is user-focused and inclusive to the outdoor industry. 

Interning at TREW is an important step for me to gain early in depth experience. TREW is an especially exciting opportunity for him because of their commitment to responsibly manufactured gear and their passion to positively impact the community. The Oregon Outdoor Alliance grant has allowed me to have this opportunity at TREW where not only am I gaining credits for his program but I get to work hands-on in the industry to help inform my future career endeavors."

Meet Jacqueline

" Hi! I’m Jacqueline Folsom.

I’m a junior in the Outdoor Products program at OSU-Cascades, focusing on soft-goods product design and development. My passion for design comes from a deep love for the outdoors, I spend my time skiing, biking, backpacking, and just being in the wilderness. My goal is to create intentional, well-crafted products that improve people’s experiences outside. I’m drawn to hands-on work including prototyping a new design, experimenting with materials, and especially sewing and construction.

I care deeply about building an outdoor community that’s welcoming, inclusive, and supportive of everyone who wants to be part of it. 

I’m so excited for the opportunity to work with TREW through this internship, I love the personality, quality, aesthetics, and community focus TREW has! Getting hands-on experience with Afterlife gear directly aligns with my passion for sustainable, circular design, and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow my sewing and product development skills.

Thanks to the Oregon Outdoor Alliance grant, I’ll be able to dedicate more time to this internship and take on more ambitious projects. It’s also giving me the chance to learn more about small-batch production, circular design, and gain more experience working and learning in the outdoor industry." 

More about how this was made possible by Oregon Outdoor Alliance.

Who is Oregon Outdoor Alliance?

OOA connects and cultivates Oregon’s outdoor industry by creating a statewide network of outdoor brands, academics, and experts united by a shared love for the outdoors. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, OOA supports businesses of all sizes by facilitating meaningful connections—through events like Beer: Thirty! Networking, Industry Roundtables, and partnerships with economic development and educational institutions. With chapters across the state, OOA is committed to helping brands and professionals thrive in Oregon's $8.4B outdoor recreation economy through access to statewide resources, funding opportunities and marketing collaboration.

What is this grant all about?

OOA is partnering with Oregon State University’s Outdoor Products Bachelor’s Program and the University of Oregon’s Sports Product Management Master’s Program to offer grant funding to support paid student internships at outdoor industry brands across the state. 

This initiative helps offset the cost of hosting interns for Oregon-based outdoor companies, making it easier for brands to invest in early talent while offering students meaningful, hands-on experience. By bridging the gap between higher education and the professional outdoor industry, OOA is cultivating the next generation of designers, product developers, marketers, and pioneers who will drive innovation and sustainability in Oregon’s outdoor economy. This program is part of OOA’s broader mission to strengthen Oregon's outdoor industry by fostering collaboration, workforce development, and long-term career pathways for students and professionals passionate about the outdoors.

Huge thanks to Oregon Outdoor Alliance! We highly recommend checking out the awesome events and opportunities they have going on https://www.oregonoutdooralliance.org/