After serving Teton County for over 40 years, Central Wyoming College will finally have a permanent home in Jackson. A $500,000 appropriation from the Wyoming legislature has helped move the project forward.
CWC’s main campus is in Riverton, but students can also take courses at several outreach centers throughout the region, including in Dubois, Lander, and Jackson. Susan Durfee, director of the outreach center in Jackson, and said currently students attend classes in rented spaces. But through a combination of public and private funds, CWC will open its own space.
Durfee said the new space will allow for more flexibility than before. The course schedule will expand and access to facilities will increase to better respond to students’ needs.
“When it comes to certain types of career fields, or certain types of learning styles it really does need to be hands on,” said Durfee. “This particular facility focuses on those spaces in many ways,” Durfee mentioned science labs and clinical facilities for the health sciences program, as well as professional teaching kitchens for culinary arts students.
The new building will improve the student experience, according to Durfee, and help CWC respond to economic and workforce needs. Durfee said many students are adults looking to change careers or start their own businesses.
“I get really excited about developing academic programs and courses that can support those students and help better their lives, and address needs that our employers have here in town,” she said.
CWC hopes to open the new facility by fall of 2021.
