The Outdoor Leadership program at Southwestern Community College recently purchased $25,000 of state-of-the-art instructional equipment.

Outdoor Leadership was one of 38 academic programs at Southwestern that directly benefited from a $350,000 U.S. Department of Education Title III grant, entitled “Strengthening Institutions.” The purpose of the grant is to improve academic support, financial stability and/or student support.

The equipment attained by the Outdoor Leadership program will supply students with new kayaking and canoeing equipment, swiftwater rescue materials, backpacking and rock climbing gear.

“We now have the ability and freedom to pursue a higher level of learning and mastery of skills thanks to this acquisition,” stated Paul Wolf, Director of the outdoor degree program.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center was awarded the bid for the equipment coming in with lower prices than the competitors.

“We were glad a local vendor was awarded the bid,” said Wolf. “James Jackson was extremely helpful in processing the order so the gear would be ready for the start of classes. Our students now have the capacity to fully train in all aspects of the outdoor industry.”

Students learn a variety of technical skills, earning national certifications as Wilderness First Responders, Swiftwater Rescue Technicians, and Leave-No-Trace Trainers. In addition to gaining competence in leading outdoor activities, students can pursue employment in the adventure tourism industry, therapeutic wilderness programs, city, county and state programs, outdoor education centers and public and private school outdoor programs.

And for those who would like to earn a baccalaureate degree, Southwestern and Western Carolina University have signed an articulation agreement, which allows all course work completed in the Outdoor Leadership program at Southwestern to transfer into Western’s Park and Recreation Management program.

The Outdoor Leadership Program accepts new students each semester. Registration for spring semester begins November 18. For more information, contact Wolf at 828.488.6413 or at pwolf@southwest.cc.nc.us