Cabela's Inc., with headquarters in Sidney, Nebraska, is known across the United States as "the world's foremost outfitter."  So in 2003, when corporate leaders and former Western Nebraska Community College President Dr. John Harms were looking at how WNCC could effectively provide quality training and advanced continuing education to Cabela's employees across the nation, the first Corporate Academy at WNCC was formed.

WNCC has since provided 73,589 Cabela's employees 1,942 credit hours of training in skill areas such as human resources, retail, management, inventory analysis, merchandising, finance, supervision, leadership, warehouse distribution, customer relations, and call centers.

An achievement ladder approach for Cabela's employees allows them to work on 12-credit skill sets that build first to a certificate with 28 credits, then to a diploma with 46 credits, and eventually to an Associate of Occupational Studies Degree from WNCC comprised of 66 credit hours. Employees wishing to pursue more advanced degrees may continue through a partnership between WNCC and Chadron State College, Bellevue University, Capella's, and National American University.

Credits earned by the employee through the Cabela's University are performance-based and built on competency requirements identified by Cabela's that will add value and be applicable to employee and corporate success. WNCC representatives meet often with Cabela's training director to plan new offerings and to monitor existing courses, ensuring an enriched and relevant training experience.

Cabela's Inc. currently has 29 stores across the United States and one in Canada. Three new stores have been announced to open soon in the United States. On average, WNCC trains approximately 300-400 people with each store opening.