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Sterling College (Vermont)

Craftsbury Common, VermontPrivate

Campus experience

New-Found Skills and Hand-Made Packs

2:19

Exploring Sterling College: A Federally Recognized Work College Experience

3:00

Where Small Is Better - Vermont's Smallest College

1:56

Exploring the Academic Excellence of Sterling College: Empowering Minds, Inspiring Change

2:51

Degree options

Major

A sample of degree options for this offering

Two-Year Associate of Arts in Environmental Studies

The Sterling curriculum is equal parts classroom study and applied fieldwork learning, sewn together by guided goal-setting, reflection and broader life skills training. There are three pillars of learning: 1) Understanding the Natural World 2) Humans in the Environment 3) Creating Community.

Offerings: Major

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

The Sterling curriculum is equal parts classroom study and applied fieldwork learning, sewn together by guided goal-setting, reflection and broader life skills training. There are three pillars of learning: 1) Understanding the Natural World 2) Humans in the Environment 3) Creating Community.

Offerings: Major

Faculty spotlight

Local area

Northeast Kingdom, Vermont

Rural, scenic, charming, historic, maple-rich, outdoor paradise, Northeast Kingdom offers serenity, skiing, hiking, and a close-knit community.

Top things to do

Lake Willoughby

A stunning glacial lake surrounded by mountains, known for its clear waters and excellent hiking opportunities.

Kingdom Trails

A renowned mountain biking network with over 100 miles of trails, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from all over.

Jay Peak Resort

A popular ski resort offering excellent winter sports activities and a water park for year-round enjoyment.

Bread and Puppet Theater

A unique and iconic puppet theater in Glover, showcasing thought-provoking performances and political commentary.

Traditions

All College Work Day

The Bi-annual "All-Hands on Deck" day at Sterling College exemplifies the institution's emphasis on community, sustainability, and experiential education. It serves as a memorable and inspiring reminder of the positive impact that collective effort can have in shaping a better future for both the campus and the world.

A Sense of Place

At Sterling College, A Sense of Place is a multi-week orientation class where students bond through outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and canoeing. They learn cultural norms through sessions on Whole Community Care, Tree Identification, and food and farm systems. This marks the beginning of their Sterling journey.

Winter Expedition

Every winter, student set out for an adventurous camping trip filled with opportunities for teamwork, navigation, and wood fire cooking. Staying warm and cozy by the fire while practicing leadership and group problem solving skills. Students orient a 4-day off-trail winter camping adventure, to arrive back to be greeted with cheering faces and fresh Sterling made egg rolls!

Lamb Watch

During lambing season on a small rural farm, anticipation fills the air as expectant ewes await the arrival of their newborn lambs. Sterling students diligently monitors the flock, providing extra care and shelter, taking shifts around the clock to aid in delivery. The sight of playful lambs frolicking in the fields brings joy and marks the renewal of life on the farm.

Sugaring Season

In the past, Native American tribes tapped maple trees to extract sap. Yearly, students gather in our on-campus sugaring house to trade stories while making the golden delicacy, and produce the majority of the Vermont maple syrup enjoyed in our #1 award winning dining hall.

Grants and scholarships

The Achievement Scholarship

The Presidential Scholarship

The Service Scholarship

The Transfer Award

The Bounder Award

Sterling’s Yellow Ribbon Award

AmeriCorps/Sterling College Matching Award ($500 per semester)

The Gladys Brooks Scholarship

The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps Award