and it is an absolute honor to be selected as a recipient of the Grossman Scholarship.

I am a first-year graduate student pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree with a concentration in Environmental Policy, Management, & Law. I currently serve as an Education & Outreach Coordinator with City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks where I have the joy of connecting people to the land through educational programming and volunteer opportunities like those supported by VOC. I have worked in natural resource management and environmental education for over 10 years, and I am excited to advance my career through a better understanding of policy design for our changing landscape, climate, and community.

My greatest passion lies in the transformation of cultural pillars to promote widespread participation in the public process and the shared stewarding of public lands. I believe safe access to quality natural spaces is a fundamental human right, and my professional experience has centered on dismantling barriers to that access. I am excited to explore innovative approaches to natural resource protection and management that are not only achieved by− but actively drive− social change. I aim to bridge policymaking with my experience in informal education and public engagement to achieve community-driven decisions that promote wellness for all persons and promote continued environmental stewardship for future generations.

My deepest gratitude goes out to VOC for supporting a legacy of stewardship throughout Colorado and to the Grossman Family for providing the opportunity to achieve these goals. I look forward to continuing to grow in community and working together to achieve our shared vision of inclusive and collaborative connection to the land. nity.

There are so many opportunities here at CSU for me to explore my passions and to

expand my knowledge and love of the natural world. I cannot express the gratitude that I feel

for having the privilege to attend university without feeling the intense burden of college

tuition. I am so proud to represent the Grossman Scholarship and to be a member of the VOC

community. There is nothing better than knowing that those who care about our natural environments as much as I do are supporting me in my journey through university.

Casey is one of four students to receive VOC's Grossman Scholarship for the 2021-22 school year. VOC offers two $10,000 and four $5,000 scholarships annually to eligible Colorado residents who have demonstrated a commitment to caring for our environment's natural resources and intend to pursue post-secondary education through an accredited environmental, natural resource, climate, or outdoor industry related education program in Colorado.

Applications for the 2022-23 school year are open through 11:59pm on March 31, 2022.