JACKSON, Wyo. — Students will have more opportunities to turn outdoor coursework into college credits through a new partnership between Central Wyoming College (CWC) and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
On its website, NOLS stated that the two educational organizations created a new memorandum of understanding to broaden the scope of classes for which students can earn college credit. The agreement aims to create a more simple and affordable pathway to earning academic credit.
NOLS went on to say that in the past, students typically earned credit after completing a monthlong NOLS course. Through the new partnership, CWC students can now gain academic credit for classes that are a minimum of 16 hours long.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to innovative, high-impact education,” CWC President Brad Tyndall said in a press release. “NOLS is internationally respected for its leadership and wilderness programs, and we’re excited to work together to support students pursuing meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom.”
Over 100 NOLS courses are available for earned credit at CWC through this agreement. NOLS Vice President of Sales and Marketing Francis Van de Beuken said that accessibility is a major benefit of this program. As a community college, CWC can offer credits at a lower price than many state and private institutions.
“At NOLS, we understand that schedule and financial constraints make semester-long courses out of reach for some prospective students,” Van de Beuken said in a statement. “This new partnership with Central Wyoming College allows students to earn college credit while honing their leadership and wilderness skills on a timeline that works for them.”
