Work-Learning-Service

Sterling College is New England’s only Work-Learning-Service College and one of only seven colleges nationwide given this status by the U.S. Department of Education.

At Sterling, all residential students work at least 80 hours each semester and earn a minimum of $1,650 towards their college costs. Additional earnings are possible through work-study positions, summer internships, and residence hall supervision.

Work at Sterling, whether it’s on the farm, in the kitchen or dormitories, in an office, at the local public school, or at a neighbor’s home or farm, is invaluable for students and the community alike.

The Work-Learning-Service program allows all students to contribute to the day-to-day operation of the College. Sterling functions as a sustainable conscious community needing the cooperation and skills of everyone involved to prosper. In both supervised and supervisory roles, students learn valuable skills and practices applicable to their futures. While the Work-Learning-Service program is a “resume builder,” it also simply demonstrates on a daily basis what it takes and what it means to be a productive member of an active community.

Work and service at Sterling are always part of learning. During the sophomore internship and the Senior Capstone Project, for example, students include a service and work component in their academic pursuits. For an example of how the work-learning-service program contributes to the Sterling Experience, read this interview with student Rue Graham in the Common Voice.

Everyone at Sterling is proud of the tradition of work, learning, and service evident in our motto: “Working Hands – Working Minds.”

Work-Learning-Service Jobs