NOLS Expands Course Credit Options Through New Central Wyoming College Partnership

Lander, Wyo. — A new agreement between NOLS and Central Wyoming College is set to broaden how students can earn college credit for time spent in the field.

“This affiliation with Central Wyoming College underscores the academic strength of NOLS programs and our shared mission to develop capable, thoughtful leaders,” says Sandy Colhoun, President of NOLS. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with CWC to expand access to college credit for students participating in our courses.”

The memorandum of understanding, finalized this month, creates an affordable accreditation pathway for NOLS courses while expanding the range of programs eligible for academic credit. The resulting partnership builds upon NOLS’ existing agreements with larger university partners and adds flexible and accessible options—particularly for shorter courses.

Under previous arrangements, students typically needed to complete a month-long NOLS course to qualify for credit. Through Central Wyoming College, that threshold drops to as little as 16 hours, opening the door for students in shorter courses to apply their experience toward a degree.

“At NOLS, we understand that schedule and financial constraints make semester-long courses out of reach for some prospective students,” says Francis Van de Beuken, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.. “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.”

Over 100 courses are available for Central Wyoming College credit in this new agreement. They include 90-day programs for outdoor educators and 200-hour wilderness emergency medical Technician certifications, weeklong sea kayaking and lightweight backpacking expeditions, and wilderness first aid certification courses that can be completed in a single weekend. 

Affordability is another key advantage of this new partnership, says Van De Beuken. As a community college, Central Wyoming College offers credits at a lower price point than many state and private institutions. A combination of in-state tuition, cooperative agreements with western states, and generous scholarships creates a more affordable pathway for students looking to translate NOLS coursework into academic progress without committing to higher tuition rates elsewhere.

It also strengthens NOLS’s commitment to the local community and the people of Wyoming. Central Wyoming College boasts six locations, including both their Lander campus and their Alpine Science Institute, located in the foothills of the Wind River Mountains.The college offers degrees in Outdoor Education & Leadership and shares in NOLS’s commitment to bolstering the outdoor economy–both in Wyoming and beyond.

“Outdoor recreation is one of the fastest growing industries and the largest economic sectors, providing jobs for nearly eight million people in the U.S. alone,” says Van De Beuken. “An investment in wilderness leadership training doesn’t just make good financial sense; it’s also a way to ensure healthier ecosystems and communities across the globe.”