OPEN HOUSE
Join us for Open House & Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 11, 2025
Please join us on October 11th for a 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 two and four year degree and pre-college programs, hands-on workshops, and an alumni panel, we’ll celebrate with a Harvest Festival for our local community — featuring live music, lawn games, crafts, and delicious food from the Sterling Farm!
These interactive workshops led by our expert faculty will dive into key concentrations in 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
Kick start 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, meet members of our faculty and staff, current students, parents, alumni, and 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!
This short but informative session will introduce you to the unique culture of Sterling College. You’ll hear about our mission, values, the work program, 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 Expert Faculty
Step into the classroom for an exciting opportunity to experience Sterling College’s 1:1 teaching model 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 an essential way to engage with students and faculty, sparking your curiosity and offering insight into our academic community. Topics may 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 160 acre Sterling College campus. This is your chance to explore our comprehensive facilities, including the newly renovated Simpson Lab, cozy study spots, our farm, fields, trails, climbing tower, and garden. 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 mountaintop to catch a sunset.
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm: Feast of the Fields Harvest Luncheon, Dunbar Dining Hall
Enjoy a true farm to table harvest meal with ingredients sown, tended, and harvested by our students and prepared by kitchen staff.
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 Admission 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, answering any questions you might have about becoming part of the Sterling community.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Harvest Festival (Optional)
Join the Sterling College and greater Craftsbury Community to celebrate one of the most special times of year in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont — the fall harvest and peak foliage. Enjoy live music, wagon rides, apple pressing, crafting, or pumpkin carving!
