College and Career Readiness at Western

Do you need to get your High School Equivalency? We can help! Attend our orientation on Monday, May 18th at 10:00 to get started! Go to our website for details: https://www.westernwyoming.edu/academics/support-services/ccr/getting-started.php

Thank you Sweetwater NOW for helping us celebrate our 2026 HSEC graduates!

Congratulations, Graduates! Thank you Rocket Miner Newspaper for being there to document their achievements!

Please join us in celebrating our graduates!
High School Equivalency Graduation
at Western Wyoming Community College
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
6:00pm, Western Theatre

Embrace the next step towards your future—join us for our Summer Session! We can't wait to see you at one of the mandatory orientations: May 18th or 26th at 10:00. Classes will run May 19 - June 30th, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00-1:00. Explore all the exciting details here: https://loom.ly/VpHfPsU

We have yet another instructor award! Michelle Schutten received the Purposeful Passion award at our annual Western Celebrations, which honors the incredible employees who make our campus such a special place.

Her nomination read as follows:
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"I am honored to nominate Michelle Schutten for the Purposeful Passion Award. She embodies the very heart of our college’s mission—to empower, educate, and inspire all communities. Through her work in adult education, she does exactly that, while truly living our motto: enter with passion, leave with purpose.
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In her work helping adult learners achieve their high school equivalency, she goes far beyond traditional instruction. Recognizing that many of her students face real-life barriers—illness, childcare challenges, and unpredictable schedules—she refused to let those obstacles define their success. Instead, she identified a gap and took initiative to bridge it in an innovative and impactful way.
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She created a YouTube channel to ensure students could continue learning anytime, anywhere. What began as a solution for her own classroom has grown into a powerful educational resource, reaching learners not only locally but across the country. Her videos not only support her students but have extended far beyond her classroom. Her work is even being utilized in correctional education, where instructors rely on her content to teach inmates via Zoom—expanding access to education for populations who need it most.
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Her impact has also gained recognition at the national level. At COABE, adult education’s national conference, colleagues and educators recognize her contributions, a testament to the meaningful difference she is making in adult education and preparing students for the next steps in their educational journey.
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Beyond her innovation, she brings unmatched energy, compassion, and authenticity to her work. She creates a welcoming and supportive learning environment where students feel seen, valued, and capable of success. Her passion is evident in every interaction, and her commitment to her students is unwavering. If you don’t believe me, go watch one of her 371 YouTube videos!
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She does more than teach—she inspires. She empowers individuals to believe in themselves and equips them with the tools to create better futures, truly helping build a better Wyoming.
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For her creativity, dedication, and profound impact, I cannot think of a more deserving candidate for this award."

Western Wyoming Community College Educators Honored at Regional Conference; Orientation Dates Announced

ROCK SPRINGS, WYOMING - May 6, 2026

The College and Career Readiness (CCR) Program is proud to announce that two of its educators, Liane Lamb and Kristi Young, were recently recognized for their outstanding contributions to adult education at the Mountain Plains Adult Education Association (MPAEA) Conference in Las Vegas, NV, on March 22.

The College and Career Readiness Program is part of a statewide initiative aimed at expanding access to education and workforce opportunities for adult learners. The program supports learners working toward their high school equivalency, improving foundational academic skills, learning English, or preparing to transition into college and careers. Through flexible instruction and support services, CCR serves people across Western Wyoming Community College’s service area, helping individuals build confidence and gain essential skills, often serving as a crucial stepping stone for those re-entering the world of education or pursuing new career paths. Community members interested in getting started can attend upcoming orientations on May 18, August 10, or August 17 at 10:00 a.m. in Room A200 at Western Wyoming Community College. These sessions are open to individuals interested in earning their high school equivalency.

Liane Lamb, one of Western’s longtime leaders, received Wyoming’s Award of Excellence in recognition of more than 25 years of service to Adult Education. Throughout her career, Lamb has transformed lives through a student-centered approach that empowers individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their educational and career goals. Her leadership, dedication to securing grant funding, and commitment to student success have strengthened Western’s program and expanded opportunities for countless students. As she prepares for retirement this year, her lasting impact will continue to benefit the college and community.

Kristi Young, Instructor of College and Career Readiness, was awarded MPAEA’s highest honor, the Award of Merit. This prestigious recognition is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of adult education. Young was recognized for her innovative, game-based teaching strategies, leadership in career pathway development, and commitment to supporting student success through both instruction and grant-funded initiatives. Her work extends beyond the classroom, including presentations at state, regional, and national conferences.

“These recognitions reflect the dedication and excellence of our educators and the strength of our College and Career Readiness program,” said Beth Gard, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs. “Their work continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and our community.”

For more information about the College and Career Readiness Program, please contact Nicole Castillon, Director of College and Career Readiness, at 307.382.1829, [email protected].

Happy 211 Day! Thank you to Wyoming 2-1-1, Inc. for providing support to Wyomingites!

Are you ready to achieve your New Year's Resolution of earning your High School Equivalency? We’re here to support you every step of the way! Join us for our Spring 2026 HiSET prep class orientations kicking off this week.

Discover all the details here: https://loom.ly/VpHfPsU

The team at College & Career Readiness sends you warm wishes for a joyful holiday season!

Our Rock Springs location will be closed from December 18 to January 4.
Our Green River location will be closed from December 18 to January 11.

Find our Rock Springs orientation dates here: https://loom.ly/VpHfPsU

Stay safe and enjoy this special time, and we can’t wait to see you in January!

📢 Upcoming Orientation Dates for HiSET Prep Classes
(These dates are tentative — please check for updates!)

Ready to start working toward your High School Equivalency Certificate? Join us for one of our upcoming orientation sessions. No appointment needed — just arrive on time!
📅 Orientation Dates:
• Tuesday, January 6 at 10:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, January 7 at 1:00 p.m.
• Monday, January 12 at 1:00 p.m.
These sessions help you get signed up, learn what to expect, and start planning your path toward your goals.

For updates on orientation dates and access to the video, visit our website: https://loom.ly/VpHfPsU
We look forward to helping you take your next step! 🎓✨