Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute

Supporting the Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality Industries in Wyoming through research, workforce development, and statewide engagement. 

The mission of Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute is to expand, and diversify Wyoming’s economy by supporting the outdoor recreation, tourism, and hospitality industries.

About Us  Watch the video

Teacher presenting to students, researching asking man survey questions, and bartender

Research

Producing relevant research to address industry trends, opportunities, and challenges.

LEARN MORE

Workforce Development

Providing opportunities for students and working professionals to develop the skills and knowledge to thrive in the tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation industries.

learn more

Statewide Engagement

Produce impactful programs and services for communities, businesses, and stakeholders across Wyoming.

view events

 

WIP logo

The Institute is made possible in part by a grant through the WIP initiative. Learn more at https://wip.wyo.gov

FOLLOW US ON LINKED IN

 

Statewide Engagement

These activities reflect the WORTH Institute’s commitment to strengthening Wyoming’s second-largest industry by supporting communities, students, and tourism professionals throughout the state. Our reach in 2025 included all 23 counties represented in programming, 66+ towns and cities engaged through research, training, or event participation, and multiple overlapping program types per location (internships, research, outreach).

Icons on a map of Wyoming showing statewide engagement for WORTH

Internships and Agreements icon of hand holding personInternships and Agreements: Current locations of interns and internship agreements. 

Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit Attendees icon of mountainsWyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit Attendees:  Cities and towns represented at the 2025 Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit in Laramie. 

Statewide Engagment ico of lines reaching outStatewide Engagement: Locations of the WORTH Institute programming, including hospitality trainings, agritourism education, outdoor wellness programs like WY Well & Wild, Wyoming Walks, and the Outdoor Recreation Knowledge Exchange webinar series. 

UW in your community icon of UW steamboat horseUW in Your Community: Public events hosted across Wyoming highlight student and faculty engagement, strengthen partnerships, and elevate the University’s role in supporting local tourism economies. 

Wyoming Search and Rescue Conference Attendees icon of helicopterWyoming Search and Rescue Conference Attendees: Cities and towns represented at the 2025 Wyoming Search and Rescue Conference. 

Sponsored Research Projects icon of magnifying glassSponsored Research Projects: Counties where the WORTH Institute is conducting or has completed research projects 

Economic Impact Reports icon of dollar signEconomic Impact Reports: Locations where the WORTH Institute has delivered or collaborated on economic analysis for key events or organizations. 

Student Networking and Industry Student Networking and Industry Engagements icon of talk bubblesEngagements:  Locations of structured events where students interacted with industry professionals.  

Hospitality and Tourism Fair Vendors icon of fork and knifeHospitality and Tourism Fair Vendors: Business or organization locations of those who attended the spring 2025 Hospitality and Tourism Fair.