Fremont County & Wind River Reservation Scholarship

Tuition assistance for local residents ages 14 and older who are ready to take on a NOLS course, right in the backyard of our world headquarters in Lander, Wyoming.

Each year, NOLS offers generous tuition assistance to applicants who show great potential to excel as NOLS students and who would be unable to attend without financial aid. Because Lander is home to our world headquarters and NOLS Rocky Mountain, the school's oldest and largest campus, we reserve more than $25,000 in financial aid specifically for residents of Fremont County and the Wind River Reservation.

This scholarship exists to open the door to wilderness education for the community closest to us. If you live in the area and a NOLS course feels out of reach financially, this program is designed with you in mind.

Who is eligible

The Fremont County and Wind River Reservation Scholarship is open to community members who meet a few straightforward criteria. Priority is given to first-time NOLS students, though alumni are also eligible to apply.

Local residents

You must be a resident of Fremont County or the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming.

Age 14 and up

Applicants must be 14 years or older. There is no upper age limit for financial assistance.

Need and potential

You should demonstrate financial need and show the merit and potential to excel as a NOLS student.

The scholarship can be applied toward any NOLS course at any of our locations, so you are not limited to courses that run near home. Whether your goal is a wilderness expedition, a wilderness medicine certification, or a semester in the field, this aid can help you get there.

What it covers

Awards are applied toward course tuition. The amount varies by the type and cost of the course you choose, and full-tuition scholarships are rare. The typical award ranges from $500 to $3,000. We ask every applicant to keep one principle in mind:

Please do not apply for more assistance than you need.

Because these funds are reserved for the local community and are limited, requesting only what you genuinely need helps us support as many neighbors as possible. For the exact award ranges and what a scholarship may cover for your specific course, contact the NOLS financial aid team before you apply.

Deadline and timing

There is no set deadline for this scholarship. Awards are made on a rolling basis, and applications are accepted until all funds have been disbursed. Because the pool is limited and popular summer courses can fill up by early March, the strongest strategy is to apply early. Applying well ahead of your intended course gives you the best chance at both funding and a seat.

How to apply

The application process is handled through NOLS Rocky Mountain in Lander. Here is what to expect from start to finish:

  1. Complete the Fremont County and Wind River Reservation Scholarship application.
  2. Gather your supporting tax documents. This typically means your most recent Form 1040, and if you are a dependent, your parents' most recent Form 1040 as well.
  3. Mail your application and tax documents to: NOLS Rocky Mountain, Attn: Scholarship Program, 502 Lincoln Street, Lander, WY 82520.
  4. Watch for a notification. Applicants are typically notified of the award decision within about two weeks.
  5. Submit your standard NOLS course application, either online or on paper, to reserve your spot in the course.
  6. Complete the required health history and physical exam before your course begins.

Questions? Talk to us

If you are unsure whether you qualify, which course is the right fit, or how much assistance to request, reach out before you apply. We would rather answer your questions early than have you miss out.

Scholarship contact: Clair Smith, Special Projects Coordinator, NOLS Rocky Mountain.

Call (307) 332-1438 or contact the NOLS financial aid team for scholarship-specific questions.

General NOLS admissions: 800-710-6657, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Mountain Time.

Ready to apply for tuition assistance?

Reserve funds are limited and awarded on a rolling basis. Start your application, or reach out to the financial aid team with any questions.