Sustainable Futures

Join us for an unforgettable two weeks of exploration, education, and hands-on experiences in the Sustainable Futures Program. Open your eyes to the wonders of agriculture and become a steward of a more sustainable and resilient future. Embark on a journey through permaculture gardens, discovering the intricate balance between nature and sustainable farming practices. Gain hands-on experience in cultivating a future where agriculture harmonizes with the environment.

Program at a Glance

Dates

July 20–August 2, 2025

Cost

Tuition: $4,864
Deposit: $1,216
Application Fee: $50
International Student Application Fee: $75

You’ll Gain

Hands-on fieldwork
Ideas to implement in your community
A network of students and educators who are environmentalists like you

Program Details

Tuition

Tuition: $4,864
Deposit: $1,216

Application Fees

Application Fee: $50
International Student Application Fee: $75

Deposit due within two weeks of acceptance.

To learn more, see the Apply to Summer Programs page.

Overview

Human beings eat food daily, and this necessity has led to conversion of close to half the Earth’s land surface to agricultural use. Engage with others on a journey to discover how agriculture can be transformed to not only feed us, but also nurture people and the planet.

Smith Precollege Programs are open to students entering 9th–12th grade in the fall of 2025. Smith is a residential women’s college. Our Precollege Programs offer a Smith experience for high school students. Review our Codes of Conduct for students and parents/guardians to ensure that this program is the right fit for you. College credit is not offered.

Faculty

Joan Welch

Joan M. Welch is a human-environment geographer with over 30 years of experience with teaching, research and community activism related to sustainability. Dr. Welch received her B.A. from Saint Cloud State University and M.A. and Ph.D. from Boston University. Her research interests are in the realm of landscape ecology, biogeography and sustainable agriculture. She served as faculty advisor for the organic gardens at West Chester University of Pennsylvania for more than 20 years where she established two student-run organic gardens. Produce from the gardens went to the campus resource pantry to address food insecurity. In collaboration with students, Dr. Welch established an eastern deciduous woodland permaculture plot with edible native plants. A veritable tree hugger, Dr. Welch has engaged students in research that calculates the ecosystem benefits of urban trees.

Outdoor Exploration

Sustainable Agriculture: Seeds, Soil and Sustenance is an exploration of sustainable futures through the lens of agriculture. This program introduces students to agricultural systems across the globe, and the culture, climate, soils, and biogeography of these systems. A culture’s food system tells us about its relationship to the planet, as agriculture has fundamentally changed physical and cultural landscapes. Colonial legacies have negatively impacted food sovereignties of native and indigenous peoples. Many agricultural systems are highly vulnerable to global climate and environmental change.

Through hands-on projects, students learn about where and how our food is grown, the magic of seeds, and the wonders of healthy soil. Outdoor investigations of the landscape familiarize students with native flora, fauna, and fungi. Field trips provide an exploration of sustainable alternatives including local, small-scale organic agriculture, permaculture, and community gardens.

Like Science? Also Check Out Summer Engineering. Explore Another Program.

Hands-On Experience

A platter of locally-grown and sourced foods.

Ever wondered about the origins of your favorite snacks? Trace the roots of your food from farm to table as we meet local chefs demonstrating the art of preparing local foods.

Embark on a tour of local Barstow Dairy Farm and witness the transformation of cow manure into electricity. Sample their delectable ice cream while understanding the role such innovations play in addressing our climate crisis.

Discover the marvels of Living Buildings in the scenic Pioneer Valley. Visit at least two of these incredible structures that are not just carbon neutral but often carbon negative, showcasing the possibilities of sustainable resource use.

Dive into the enchanting world of seeds. Learn the difference between hybrid, heirloom, and open-pollinated varieties. Explore the concept of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and discover how we can grow foods that are not only delicious and nutritious but also culturally and environmentally significant.