OPEN HOUSE
Join us for Open House & Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 11, 2025
Join us on October 11th for a very special day of activities on Sterling’s beautiful campus at the height of autumn. In addition to a full campus tour, an overview of our degree and pre-college programs, hands-on workshops, and an alumni panel, we’ll be celebrating with a Harvest Festival for our local community—featuring live music, yard games, and delicious locally-sourced food!
These interactive, student-led workshops will dive into key concentrations like Ecology, Environmental Humanities, Outdoor Education, and Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems. Sterling College is now accepting applications for first-year and transfer students for the Fall 2026 term.
Financial aid is available to all new students, and our team will be on hand during the Open House for personalized consultations on making college more affordable. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more and start your journey at Sterling!
Open House & Harvest Fest Schedule
10:00 am - 10:30 am: Arrival and Registration
Kickstart your day at our vibrant campus! Upon arrival, head to the registration desk where you'll be greeted with a warm welcome. This is your chance to check in, grab your event materials, and meet fellow future students. Take a moment to pick up a map of the campus, so you're all set to explore.
10:30 am - 10:45 am: Welcome with the Admission Team!
Get ready to meet the friendly faces of our Admission Team! This short but informative session will introduce you to the unique culture of Sterling College. You’ll hear about our mission, values, and what makes Sterling a special place for learning. Our team will walk you through the day's schedule and answer any initial questions you may have.
10:45 am - 12:00 pm: Mini-Courses with Sterling College Faculty and Students
Step into the classroom for an exciting opportunity to experience Sterling College’s personalized teaching style first-hand! Led by our passionate faculty, you’ll dive into mini-courses designed to give you a taste of what it's like to study here. These interactive sessions are a great way to engage with students and professors, sparking your curiosity and offering insight into our academic community. Topics could range from food production, to outdoor recreation, to sustainable farming, offering a little something for everyone.
12:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Walking Tour of Campus and Alumni Panel
After your mini-courses, stretch your legs and join a guided walking tour of the picturesque Sterling College campus. This is your chance to explore our comprehensive facilities, including a state-of-the-art biology lab, cozy study spots, and beautiful outdoor spaces. You’ll hear stories about the history and culture of the college, as well as get insider tips on where to hang out between classes or the best spots to catch a sunset. Don’t forget to snap some photos along the way!
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm: Brunch, Dunbar Dining Hall
Enjoy a delicious meal prepared with love by our talented kitchen staff. Sterling food is made with fresh ingredients harvested from our campus farm and provided by local producers.
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm: (Optional) Complete Your Application and On-Site Interview with the Admission Staff
For those ready to take the next step, this optional session offers the chance to complete your application in person and participate in an on-site interview with our Admissions Staff. Whether you’ve already started your application or are just getting started, this is a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, get guidance, and submit your materials on the spot. Our team is here to support you through every step of the process and answer any questions you might have about becoming part of the Sterling community.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm: (Optional) Harvest Festival
Join the Sterling Community to celebrate autumn in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Enjoy live music, wagon rides, apple pressing, pumpkin carving, and beer & wine sales.
