Curriculum Library Keeps Lander Students on Track After Education Funding Cuts

In Lander, many high school students were pursuing graduation through free college courses at Central Wyoming College that counted toward both their high school diploma and associate’s degree. When statewide property tax cuts eliminated funding for this program, these students suddenly faced a difficult choice: pay out-of-pocket for courses their families can’t afford, or return to traditional high school and essentially restart their education—losing college-level credits and delaying graduation. When a community member recognized this immediate crisis for sophomore, junior, and senior students, she reached out to LOR with a plan to create an alternative pathway. The Learning Resources Library will stock high-quality curriculum across all subject areas—including history, math, science, language arts, foreign languages, and electives—that meets both graduation requirements and University of Wyoming Hathaway Scholarship standards. This ensures students who cannot afford to continue college courses or return to traditional high school without setbacks can still graduate on time and maintain eligibility for crucial scholarship funding. LOR’s funding will help purchase comprehensive course materials and storage systems.