Central Wyoming College and the National Outdoor Leadership School have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand opportunities for students to earn college credit through outdoor leadership and wilderness education programs.
The agreement formally recognizes the academic quality and rigor of instruction at both institutions, creating a pathway for students participating in select NOLS courses to receive college credit.
The partnership is designed to connect experiential learning with academic degree programs.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to innovative, high-impact education,” Brad Tyndall, president of Central Wyoming College, 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.”
NOLS offers training in expedition skills, leadership, teamwork, environmental studies, risk management, decision-making, and wilderness medicine for outdoor professionals.
The new affiliation allows students enrolled in these programs to apply their experience toward academic credentials.
“This affiliation with Central Wyoming College underscores the academic strength of NOLS programs and our shared mission to develop capable, thoughtful leaders,” said Sandy Colhoun, president of NOLS. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with CWC to expand access to college credit for students participating in our courses.”
Under the agreement, Central Wyoming College will provide credit for a wide range of NOLS courses. Darran Wells, professor of outdoor education and leadership at Central Wyoming College, said the structure allows the college to offer credit at a lower cost compared with other institutions.
“As a state community college, CWC is able to offer credit for almost any NOLS course at a lower cost than other colleges and universities,” Wells said.
The partnership also aims to simplify the credit transfer process and reduce administrative barriers for students.
“The new MOU streamlines the process for college credit, making it quicker and simpler for students to get credit for their NOLS courses,” Wells said. “NOLS semester graduates who decide to pursue a degree in outdoor education or recreation can now transition seamlessly into our associate or bachelor’s degree programs with a semester of their college experience already completed.”
Featured image by Central Wyoming College