Sustainable Futures

Join us to study the causes of the climate crisis and to find out what people are doing to solve it. Throughout our two-week course we explore the natural environment, walking trails through New England woodlands, visiting scenic vistas, and daytripping to small farms and community gardens. Along the way, we’ll study the science behind climate change and try to understand the people and forces that have stood in the way of fighting it.

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In the 19th century, activists living near Smith College fought against slavery and capitalism. During an era defined by inequality, they created egalitarian communities and spoke out for justice. We’ll look to them for inspiration as we see firsthand what folks are doing today to combat the effects of climate change. A tour of a living building—the most advanced measure of sustainability—Smith College’s work to go carbon neutral, and visits to small farms will show us how we can create resilient, healthy communities.

Be ready to spend lots of time outside gazing at clouds and identifying trees, pitching in with light farmwork, reading and discussing poems and short essays, looking at art and listening to music, writing and drawing in our field notebooks, and working toward a more sustainable future.

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Program at a Glance

Dates

July 19–August 1, 2026

Cost

Tuition: $4,985
Deposit: $1,246
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: $4,985
Deposit: $1,246

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. 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.

Instructor

SUMMER PRECOLLEGE PROGRAMS

Ethan Myers

Sustainable Futures and Creative Writing Instructor

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.