Central Wyoming College and National Outdoor Leadership School Announce New Educational Partnership

Lander, Wyo. — Central Wyoming College (CWC) and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) are proud to announce a new partnership that strengthens educational pathways for students seeking immersive, experiential learning in outdoor leadership, wilderness education, and wilderness medicine.

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), CWC and NOLS formally recognize the shared value, quality, and rigor of instruction provided by both institutions. This affiliation creates expanded opportunities for students to earn college credit while participating in select NOLS courses and programs, further bridging academic study with hands-on, real-world experience.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to innovative, high-impact education,” said Brad Tyndall, President of Central Wyoming College. “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 is internationally recognized for its leadership and wilderness programs, offering instruction in expedition skills, leadership, teamwork, environmental studies, risk management, and decision-making, as well as wilderness medicine education for outdoor professionals.

“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.”

“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,” said Darran Wells, Professor of Outdoor Education & Leadership at Central Wyoming College.

The partnership simplifies the process of earning academic credit and creates clearer pathways from experiential learning to degree completion.

“The new MOU streamlines the process for college credit, making it quicker and simpler for students to get credit for their NOLS courses,” adds Wells. “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.”

Together, CWC and NOLS reaffirm a shared commitment to experiential education, academic excellence, and student success. Additional information about approved courses and credit opportunities will be shared directly with students through official CWC and NOLS channels.

For more information, visit www.cwc.edu or www.nols.edu

Explore CWC’s Outdoor Education programs at https://www.cwc.edu/outdoored/