Walden Project-NY Now Offers College Credit through FLCC Gemini Program

NAPLES, NY, April 19, 2021 – Beginning September 2021, The Walden Project-NY at the Rochester Museum & Science Center’s (RMSC) Cumming Nature Center will offer dual enrollment credit through the Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) Gemini program. Eligible students enrolled in The Walden Project-NY may earn up to 10 college credits from FLCC after their successful completion of the program.

Part of the suite of outdoor Forest School educational opportunities for students offered by the RMSC’s Cumming Nature Center (CNC), The Walden Project-NY is a full-time outdoor education program for high school seniors and gap year students that is inspired by the teachings and writings of Henry David Thoreau. Based at CNC in Naples, N.Y., the program provides an opportunity for interdisciplinary education in an outdoor setting with an emphasis on academic independence and freedom.

“The Walden Project is thrilled about this relationship with the FLCC Gemini Program. In addition to offering our students highly respected college credit for their academic experience, this will also provide additional resources to help them with their studies. We anticipate that this will enrich our program tremendously,” said Andy Webster, Lead Teacher at The Walden Project-NY.

Along with the opportunity to receive college credit for completing The Walden Project-NY program, Walden students enrolled in FLCC’s Gemini program will receive FLCC student ID cards and have access to resources on campus such as the library, book store, and dining hall. The college credits earned through the Gemini program can be applied to an FLCC degree, or transferred to another college or university.

“This is a natural partnership for us, given FLCC’s strong conservation and humanities programming,” said FLCC President Robert Nye. “We are pleased to be able to offer Walden Project students college credit so they can make the most of this truly unique educational opportunity.”

Students who are interested in enrolling in The Walden Project-NY program can learn more at RMSC.org/walden.