The U.S. NOLS Instructor-in-Training (IIT) Program is a transformative initiative dedicated to increasing diversity in outdoor education. This program seeks to provide opportunities for individuals from historically underrepresented groups, particularly self-identified Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), to develop the skills necessary for a career in outdoor education. While the program actively recruits BIPOC candidates, it remains open to anyone.
By prioritizing individuals who have been historically overlooked or excluded, the IIT Program aims to cultivate new talent and perspectives in outdoor leadership. Participants gain hands-on experience in wilderness skills, leadership, and teaching, all of which are critical for future outdoor educators. Through mentorship, operations training, and field experience, the program equips its members with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in outdoor education roles.
The US IIT program runs for 10.5 weeks, beginning in April at the NOLS Rocky Mountain in Lander, Wyoming. Participants engage in a structured progression to build competency in in-town operational skills and field-based instruction.
Entering the outdoor industry, particularly an organization like NOLS, can feel daunting. The IIT Program uses a cohort model to create a built-in support network among participants. Having a group of peers navigating the program together helps participants feel connected and confident. Additionally, this structure allows the program mentor to provide consistent supervision, feedback, and guidance.
The program starts with a 15-day canyon expedition, an essential training component. Since many participants have never been on a NOLS course before, this experience provides crucial exposure to NOLS methodologies and expectations. Participants begin their training in an immersive, hands-on environment by following the standard course progression—gear issue, rations preparation, and a rigorous field experience.
The canyon expedition is more than just a skills course; it fosters empathy for future students, as participants experience firsthand the challenges and rewards of a wilderness learning environment. Under the leadership of course leader and IIT program manager Elsie Freland, the expedition introduces essential skills such as navigation, campcraft, and technical canyon techniques. The course also serves as an initial assessment of participants' abilities, leadership potential, and adaptability in dynamic outdoor settings.
Following the canyon expedition, participants transition to the in-town phase at NOLS Rocky Mountain. Here, they develop an understanding of how NOLS courses are supported behind the scenes and the continued growth of technical skills. Training includes:
Additionally, IIT participants work and connect with NOLS Rocky Mountain in-town staff, NOLS Headquarters employees, NOLS field instructors, and the outdoor community outside of NOLS in Lander, Wyoming. The goal is to have a group within the cohort that allows them to develop community and connection with the people surrounding them as they are in the program.
During the summer portion of the program, IITs integrate into instructor teams on hiking courses ranging from 23 to 30 days. They contribute, engaging in team briefings, student interactions, contributing to the positive learning environment, and teaching assignments. While in a learning role, they are fully immersed in the instructor team, participating in route planning, student management, cooking, student debriefs, and group decision-making.
IITs do not hike alone with students or take on full mentorship responsibilities. Still, they are given ample opportunities to practice their teaching skills and support students through challenges such as river crossings and 3rd/4th terrain travel, as well as teaching classes throughout the course. After their summer course, participants receive instructor evaluations and feedback, helping them refine their teaching and leadership skills. The feedback is passed along to the IIT program manager for continued support and growth as the IIT participant prepares for the Instructor Course.
The final step in the IIT journey is the Instructor Course, structured using the same standard of NOLS IC curriculum and assessment qualifications. This includes the two-day classroom-based session focused on core curriculum development, final preparations for assessment as a hiking instructor, and a 22-day field portion focused on assessment. This phase, led by experienced instructors, including Elsie Freland, ensures that participants are ready to transition into official NOLS field instructors.
As NOLS prepares for the Fiscal Year 2025 IIT cohort, the program continues to build on its successes, fostering a new generation of outdoor educators. By providing structured mentorship, immersive training, and clear pathways to field instruction, the IIT Program is making meaningful strides in diversifying the outdoor industry.
For those passionate about outdoor education and committed to creating a more inclusive wilderness experience, the IIT Program represents a unique and valuable opportunity to grow, learn, and lead in the field.