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Sterling's goal is “to build responsible problems
solvers who become stewards of the environment as they pursue productive
lives.” Sterling College is a learning community that cultivates
the wisdom, skills, and values needed for sustainable living. Sterling’s
motto, Working Hands~Working Minds, embraces integration of research
and discussion, field studies, culture, history, and the dynamics
of human relations in a learning environment that combines solid
academics with experiential, hands-on learning. Through the study
of the environment students are exposed to the traditional tenets
of a liberal arts education in a way that is rich and meaningful.
Sterling College students gain intellectual and physical competence,
practical skills, and personal confidence in their ability to solve
the problems we face in today’s world.
Sterling College is not like most colleges. Strong academics and
experiential learning opportunities create a dynamic and progressive
learning environment. Grounded in an awareness of the world and
its communities, Sterling College demands a forward-looking approach
to learning, to growing, and to living. Throughout the curriculum,
students focus on environmental studies, discuss sustainability,
and learn how people can embrace the strength of community to create
change in the world.
Unique experiences engage students in adventurous and challenging
situations. Each incoming class completes Winter Expedition—a
three night camping trip celebrating the end of first semester.
Winter Expedition and other similar experiences develop group communication
and leadership skills, encourage personal growth, and provide opportunity
for students to explore the landscape surrounding the College through
rock climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and paddling.
Community is vital and students play an important role in creating
and sustaining Sterling’s evolving community. An integral
part of the community and curriculum is a campus-wide Work Program.
Students function as the work force of the College and are employed
an average of six hours a week in one of over 100 different jobs.
In exchange for work, students earn a $1,450 tuition and books credit.
Sterling College believes that connecting people directly to their
support system fosters greater care for the environment and its
communities.
Sustainable Sterling is an effort directed toward greening the campus
and infrastructure of the College. This initiative challenges the
college community to model appropriately scaled and regionally suitable
sustainable living practices. Projects include harvesting an average
of 9,844 pounds of organic produce for the Sterling College kitchen
from the campus gardens and local farmers, diverting an average
of 15,410 pounds of food waste from the landfill by composting,
encouraging sustainable transportation through a Green Bikes program,
and use of Sterling’s own harvested timber/lumber to build
lean-tos, bike and garden sheds, and fencing.
Global Field Studies immerse students in different cultures to learn
about social ecology and environmental sustainability. Destinations
include:
• Belize: Travel to this small tropical country to study marine
and rainforest ecosystems and explore their natural communities
and related management issues. .
• James Bay region of Quebec, Canada: Focus on hydroelectric
development and its impact on the local ecosystems and native peoples.
• Japan: Explore sustainable practices on the northern island
of Hokkaido through visits to managed forests, organic farms, and
Zen gardens; and investigations into land use practices.
The Sustainable Agriculture Semester immerses
students in the daily rhythms and realities of farming. Focusing
on sustainability, this summer semester is a program of work and
study exploring holistic management of plants, animals, and land.
The farm includes certified organic vegetable gardens, solar and
wind powered barns, and a variety of livestock including sheep for
food and fiber, goats, pigs, steers, poultry, and a draft horse
team for light work.
The Mountain Cultures Semester combines trekking, mountaineering,
service work, and homestays in local villages to explore cultural
differences in attitudes toward natural and human resources. Prior
destinations include the Solu Khumbu region of Nepal, Sikkim in
India, and the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico.
Each year Sterling College offers two full tuition scholarships
to incoming students who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment
to environmental service and volunteerism.
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Conservation
Ecology
Northern
Studies
Outdoor Education and Leadership
Sustainable Agriculture
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