More Than Just Maps
CWC’s GIST Program is Designed to be a Game-Changer for Students
Advertorial PAID FOR BY Central Wyoming College
Riverton, Wyoming
Just outside of Sinks Canyon State Park in the foothills of the Wind River Mountains is Central Wyoming College’s Alpine Science Institute (ASI). This Institute is a one-of-a-kind, educational and recreational center that also serves as a model for environmental stewardship featuring solar-paneled buildings, a recycling program, and a composting facility.
Located five miles south of Lander, the campus is nestled along the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River. The grounds are open to the community and feature hiking and mountain biking trails in addition to classroom facilities and student housing. Students who choose to live at the Alpine Science Institute have the option of living in rustic style cabins or in the 24-bed bunkhouse–not your typical student housing experience!
The Alpine Science Institute is a living, learning field school for Outdoor Education, Outdoor Recreation, Expedition Science, Regenerative Small Scale Farming, and Geospatial Information Science and Technology (GIST).
The GIST program is a rapidly growing field that involves the use of computer software to collect, analyze, and interpret spatial data. But it’s more than just maps—it's about solving complex, real-world problems using satellite imagery, 3D mapping, and data analysis.
From tracking wildlife populations and developing natural disaster response strategies to managing urban growth and tech development, Geospatial Science equips students with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in some of today’s most exciting fields.
“Whether it's mapping wildlife corridors, mountain bike trails, or local restaurants, our graduates are ready to hit the ground running,” said Mara Gans, Instructor of GIS and Expedition Science at Central Wyoming College.
Mara grew up in Lander, Wyoming and loves finding ways to connect students to their local environments and communities. In addition to teaching GIS, environmental science, and geography, Mara also helps facilitate and teach summer backcountry research expeditions.
This summer, Mara and another instructor spent 20 days with 13 students in the Shoshone National Forest. During this time students learned how to build and design GIS applications to collect data on compliance with Wilderness Regulations. They then spent 11 days in the Wind River Mountains completing internships for the U.S. Forest Service and two courses (OEAC- 2030 and GEOG 2000).
“Our students don’t just learn from textbooks—they go out into the field and apply their knowledge,” said Mara.
One of the most exciting aspects of the GIST program at Central Wyoming College is its collaboration with local, state, and federal organizations. The program’s partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, among others, enables students to apply classroom skills in real-world settings.
Students in the GIST program gain hands-on experience in cartography, fieldwork, and Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones. They also participate in projects like mapping public lands or water quality monitoring, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
Geospatial mapping is one of the fastest-growing fields in today's job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals in this field, such as cartographers and GIS technicians, are in high demand. GIST skills are also in high demand for environmental and recreation field work.
With an Associate of Applied Science degree or a GIS certificate from CWC, graduates are prepared to enter the workforce immediately or transfer to a four-year university.
The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Wyoming EPSCOR Wy-ACT Program, the NSF Advanced Technological Education Program, the NSF Rocky Mountain Alliance for Minority Participation, and the NASA Space Grant Consortium make the spectacular opportunities provided at CWC affordable and accessible.
“Our GIST program offers a great opportunity for people to learn new skills and move into something that’s not only well-paying but also has a solid future," said Mara. “Employers are looking for people with these skills, and this program can open doors to those new opportunities.”
Learn more at www.cwc.edu/programs/outdoorandenvironment/gist/
Some of the key courses offered include:
✔ Cartography
✔ Remote Sensing
✔ Intro to GIS
✔ GPS for GIS
✔ Research Expeditions
RIVERTON
2660 Peck Ave.
Riverton, WY 82501
(307) 855-2000
JACKSON
240 S. Glenwood St #124
P.O. Box 4795
Jackson, WY 83001
(307) 733-7425
LANDER
120 Enterprise Blvd.
Lander, WY 82520
(307) 332-3394
DUBOIS
302 W. Ramshorn
P.O. Box 175
Dubois, WY 82513
(307) 455-2625
