529 College Savings Plans & AmeriCorps Awards

CB18 Banner 3

529 College Savings Plans & AmeriCorps Awards

Over 300 families use these funds every year through our partnership with Western Colorado University (WCU). You don’t need to be a WCU student—anyone can register through their Center for Learning and Innovation.

CB13 Repeatable Callout

529 & AmeriCorps Payment Details

To use your 529 Savings Plan or AmeriCorps Award for Outward Bound tuition, you must also purchase course credits through Western Colorado University (WCU) at $180 per credit hour. This allows you to earn academic credit for your Outward Bound course.

WCU applies a 2% administrative fee (up to $400) on tuition paid with 529 or AmeriCorps funds. This fee appears on your WCU invoice—for example, $1,000 in tuition will total $1,020—and is reported on your IRS 1098-T form. The fee is paid directly to WCU, not to Outward Bound.

If you are not using 529 or AmeriCorps funds, you’ll pay Outward Bound directly and no WCU fee applies.

Learn More: Academic Credit & Certifications

CB17 FAQs

How to use your 529 College Savings Plan

Apply for your Outward Bound course.

+ -

Enroll first on an Outward Bound expedition before applying for credit through WCU.

Apply for academic credit through WCU.

+ -

After you’ve applied for your Outward Bound course – apply for WCU credit at least 30 days prior to your course start date.

Use your 529 to pay for your Outward Bound course.

+ -

Students using 529 funds for their Outward Bound course will pay WCU in full for their Outward Bound tuition cost and their WCU credit costs.

How to use your AmeriCorps Education Award

Apply for your Outward Bound course.

+ -

For your award to be valid for use, please apply for an Outward Bound course that starts before your award expires.

Apply for academic credit through WCU.

+ -

After you’ve applied for your Outward Bound course – apply for WCU credit at least 30 days prior to your course start date.

Submit your educational voucher.

+ -

Once you receive your invoice for balance due from WCU, log on to your AmeriCorps portal and submit an educational voucher to Western State Colorado University in the amount that is listed on the invoice.

Sit tight while your voucher is certified.

+ -

Once your AmeriCorps award request is received by WCU, they will review your voucher and authorize it to be certified and processed for your balance due.

Use your award to pay for your Outward Bound course.

+ -

Students using an award for their Outward Bound course will pay WCU in full for their Outward Bound tuition cost and their WCU credit costs. Additional course expenses paid for out-of-pocket, including: the $150 deposit, travel costs, and items from course packing list, can be submitted to AmeriCorps for reimbursement covered by their award.

CB31 Media Gallery

Our Commitment to Access

Every year, we work with hundreds of schools and youth organizations—particularly in communities where outdoor educational opportunities would otherwise be limited. This work is made possible by local donors and community members who understand that investing in young people creates positive change that extends far beyond any single course.

We’re especially committed to supporting educational groups and youth nonprofits in our communities, with programs heavily supported by donors who believe in the power of these experiences to build stronger, more connected communities.

Learn More About Access & Belonging

The image shows three people in a canoe on a lake. The person in the front is wearing a hat and paddling. The person in the middle is also wearing a hat. The person in the back is paddling as well. All three are wearing life vests. The canoe is in the middle of the lake, and there are trees in the background. The sky is cloudy.

Three young people wearing helmets are participating in a ropes course. The person on the left is wearing a clear plastic poncho and has their hand up to their face. The person in the middle is smiling and looking up. The person on the right is wearing a blue shirt and is also looking up. The ropes course is set in a wooded area.

A young man wearing a black t-shirt with the words "OLD TOWN" printed on it, a tan baseball cap, and an orange whistle around his neck is smiling and holding up two peace signs. He appears to be standing outside in a desert-like environment with large rocks and sand in the background. The image has a slightly blurred effect, suggesting movement.

The image shows four people in a forest setting. One person is taking a selfie, smiling at the camera. To the left, a person is making a peace sign. Behind them, another person is also making a peace sign. In the foreground, there are several containers on the ground. A backpack is visible on the left side of the image.

CB28 Multi CTA

Ready to Dive In?

Two scuba divers are underwater, wearing masks and scuba gear. The diver on the left is giving a thumbs-up. The water is clear but slightly murky, with a greenish-blue tint. The divers appear to be exploring the underwater environment, possibly near a reef or other interesting underwater feature. The image captures the adventure and excitement of scuba diving.

Find Your Course

Have Questions?

Learn More About Western Colorado University

Visit WCU