Big ideas. Beautiful mountains. Two weeks you certainly won't forget.
Let's be honest: the full Wyoming Catholic College experience is impossible to appreciate unless you set foot on campus.
But unlike a typical open house or visit weekend, the PEAK Program gives you a full immersion into life at WCC. Buckle up!
For two weeks, you'll experience what life is like for our students: exploring big ideas in the classroom, hiking in the Absaroka Wilderness, and discovering what happens when you disconnect from screens and connect with genuine community.
By the end, you'll find out if this place is right for you - and you'll make great new friends along the way. As Blessed Peir Giorgio Frassati said, "The higher we go, the better we shall hear the voice of Christ. Verso l’ alto!”
Who
Rising high school juniors and seniors. Members of the Class of 2026 may apply for PEAK, provided they first apply for admission to the College.
When
Session 1: June 6 - 19
Session 2: June 20 - July 3
How to Attend
Submit your application and make your deposit upon acceptance.
Academic Inquiry
The PEAK Summer Program allows prospective students to attend classes led by our world-class faculty. These seminar-style classes will address philosophical, literary, and theological topics—all through selected readings from the Great Books tradition. Together with their peers and faculty, students will grapple with questions ranging from poetic and literary analysis to the morality of abortion. Jumpstart your college journey with profound reflections and discussions in beautiful Lander, Wyoming!
Outdoor Adventure
When they are not studying the Great Books or discussing in class, participants are adventuring in Wyoming’s great outdoors. Summertime in Lander is an absolute delight. Students immerse themselves in the big skies, bright stars, and rugged mountains that make Wyoming so beloved by outdoor enthusiasts. Afternoon activities include hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, and horseback riding! In addition, the highlight of the program for many students is the 4-day backpacking trip in the Absaroka Wilderness! Participants learn the basics of outdoorsmanship, cooking their own meals, sleeping under the stars, and forming deep, genuine friendships in the absence of technology and social media.
Real Community
PEAK students also experience our robust community life at Wyoming Catholic College. The two-week program is hosted by current students, who are thrilled to share the vibrant energy and spirit of our community. Swing dancing lessons, intramural sports, Olympic-style games, and even theatrical performances occur throughout PEAK. What’s more, this communal experience is firmly grounded in the Catholic faith. PEAK participants can attend regular liturgies in both the Roman and Byzantine rites of the Catholic church, with Confession and Adoration offered frequently.
Apply to Attend PEAK
Spaces are limited, and applicants are accepted on a rolling basis. Submit your application today and get ready for PEAK at Wyoming Catholic!
When you visit campus, you'll get $1,000 toward tuition if you choose to enroll. This offer applies to those who attend the PEAK or a campus visit on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Attend?
PEAK is open to rising high school juniors and seniors. Members of the Class of 2026 may apply for PEAK, provided they first apply for admission to the College.
PEAK is academically competitive. Students must submit their online application and high school transcript in order to be considered for the program. Once these items are received, the applicant will be considered for admission to the summer program.
What is a Typical Day Like at PEAK?
Typically, a day at PEAK will have students experiencing our rigorous academics in the morning, and immersing themselves in the great outdoors in the afternoon.
Daily Mass, Byzantine liturgies, and a full introduction to the WCC student culture, with music, dance, sports and more.
What is the Best Way to Travel to WCC?
Lander is located in the central western part of Wyoming next to the Wind River Mountain Range. The town stands about equidistant from three major cities in the Rocky Mountain West region: Salt Lake City (ca. 300 miles), Denver (ca. 360 miles), and Billings (ca. 290 miles).
Free college shuttles are available from Denver International Airport (DEN) and Riverton Regional Airport (RIW) for PEAK attendees. Please see your acceptance email for more information on shuttle times.
How Much Does it Cost?
The total cost per program covering tuition, the reading packet and materials, technical and group gear, meals, and lodging, is $1,300. This fee includes a $100 deposit to hold the student’s place in the program. Students are advised to bring spending money for personal items and meals on the way to and from the airport.
Students and families are asked to refrain from submitting payment for their program until they receive confirmation of their acceptance. Once the admissions office has reviewed a student’s application and confirmed that the student is admitted to the program, a $100 non-refundable deposit must be submitted to hold the student’s place in the program.
Students who enroll at WCC after a campus visit (like PEAK) will receive a $1,000 tuition credit.
Do Students Need Outdoor Experience?
No prior outdoor experience required. Our student counselors and professional staff will support, train, and teach you everything you need to know for rock climbing, rappelling, horsemanship, and a 4-day backpacking adventure.
Questions? Contact Hayley
Hayley Daly
Event Coordinator
hayley.daly@wyomingcatholic.edu
307-332-2930, x.1234
