Sterlings 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.

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 serve to 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.

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. In keeping with this philosophy, Sterling College offers the special programs listed below.

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.
• Iceland and the Scottish Isles: Explore the ecology, ancient history, and culture of the North Atlantic through investigations into geography and geological processes. Stays in coastal villages allow for immersion in communities that embrace traditional folkways, with time for discussions with local peoples pressured by technology and a global economy.
• 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 Japanese 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