How do activists, organizers, change agents and everyday individuals who value the health of environmental systems maintain their work? Join like-minded individuals who believe in the possibility of positive change and want to come together to shape a different tomorrow.

Non-credit

Residential

Accepts International Students

Financial Aid

Final project

Learn from farmers, activists, artists and naturalists in this two-week residential program. Get ready to analyze what contributed to the global climate crisis, engage in socially and environmentally focused work and develop skills to cultivate a healthier human-nature relationship. You will be inspired and educated to act within your own community toward a sustainable future.
Curriculum
Join a small community of students who are interested in moving beyond “green” toward understanding what will be necessary to achieve a truly sustainable future.
Learning and living together with a group of equally concerned and engaged people, you will explore how Smith College and its neighboring communities are practicing the ideals and principles of sustainability. We’ll talk about what is working and what still needs to be done.
As a participant, you will learn about sustainable living and environmental science and policy through a hands-on, interactive, project-based approach.

Much of the program is conducted in the field, and you will engage in a variety of activities as you hike the forests of western Massachusetts, traverse various elements of a sustainably built challenge course, visit local farms and renewable energy facilities, and tour buildings constructed to conform to the highest environmental standards.
Applicants should be able to participate in moderate hikes, engage in field trips and spend a full day outdoors.

We hope to safely offer you access to the following on-campus amenities: two indoor gyms, outdoor track and field, botanic gardens, Smith’s distinguished art museum and the new Neilson Library. There are after-class activities every day. Examples include:
Art and Inclusivity—with the Smith College Museum of Art
Plant Literacy: The Basics—with the Botanic Garden
Vision Boarding and Writing Prompts
DIY Recycled Notebooks
Bullet Journaling
How to Naturally Dye Your Clothes
Yoga in the Garden
’Zine Making
Designing Your Life: The Next Five Years
Cancel Culture: Discussion and Critique.
Academic lectures and office hours are also hosted throughout each week. Meals will be provided in a Smith dining hall. Smith Precollege Programs will continue to follow COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. The COVID-19 Safety Plan for Smith Precollege Programs will be shared in early summer and includes the requirement that all Precollege Program participants, staff and faculty must be fully vaccinated (plus booster) prior to arrival on campus this summer.

Single Session

Jul 23 - Aug 05

2 weeks

Residential

4630 USD

Cost
Tuition: $4,630 | Deposit: $925
Deposit due within two weeks of acceptance.
The $50 application fee increases to $100 April 16, 2023.

Financial Aid

Smith Precollege Summer Programs financial aid is available to a limited number of participants and is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need and eligibility for the program. To be considered for financial aid, you must complete the financial aid section on the application and upload tax documentation.