College
Field semester
in regenerative design
Regenerative Thinking
“The future of sustainability is regeneration: replenishing and restoring what we have lost and building economies and communities that thrive, while allowing the planet to thrive too.”
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— from ‘The New Sustainability: Regeneration’ Trend Report by J. Walter Thompson Intelligence
collaborative program design
The Western Slope Institute Field Semester is built as a living learning ecosystem through an intentional partnership between the Western Slope Institute, Prescott College, and Deer Hill Expeditions. Each partner plays a distinct and complementary role. Together, these partners create an integrated environment where learning, daily life, fieldwork, and personal growth are not separate experiences but interconnected parts of a whole—reflecting the same regenerative principles, relationships, and living systems students are studying throughout the semester.
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The Western Slope Institute provides the academic vision and curriculum and instruction in regenerative design and living systems thinking, coordinates all aspects of the program and oversees regenerative project work with regional partners.
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Prescott College offers college coursework accreditation grounded in experiential and sustainability education.
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Deer Hill Expeditions contributes decades of expertise in place-based living, wilderness travel, and community care. This includes housing and meetings space on the beautiful Deer Hill campus, backpacking and rafting trips to explore the watershed and immersive experiences with Indigenous families through cross-cultural services learning.
Field semester
in regenerative design
At the Western Slope Institute we believe that education is the key to creating a sustainable future, and our goal is to help individuals integrate regenerative practices into their daily lives while. Our 16-week Gap Semester program is based on a unique regenerative education approach designed to offer a holistic perspective on the interconnectedness of our environment and the people who inhabit it.
The semester program provides an experience that will support them as they transition into adults who are clear about who they are, what their gifts and talents are and how they might make a difference in their communities. Through a blend of nature connection, personal development, and regenerative project design and implementation participants will gain the skills necessary to contribute to thriving socio-ecological systems. This program also includes cross-cultural service learning projects with regional Indigenous partners.
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The Western Slope Institute Field Semester in Regenerative Design. 16-week Gap-Semester programs for young adults ages 18–24, blending remote, hybrid, and in-person learning experiences. These programs are rooted in the principles of regenerative design, sustainable living, and ecological literacy, and they provide participants with meaningful, hands-on opportunities to engage in place-based projects and cross-cultural service learning. Whether exploring food systems, land stewardship, community resilience, or environmental justice, students are challenged to think critically, live intentionally, and contribute meaningfully to the communities they serve. Designed for those seeking purpose-driven education and transformational growth, our programs foster leadership, collaboration, and a deep sense of connection—to self, others, and the natural world.
PRESCOTT
COLLEGE
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Accreditation and College Credit
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All four courses in the Western Slope Institute Field Semester are fully accredited through Prescott College, a nationally recognized leader in sustainability education, experiential learning, and social justice.
Prescott College provides:
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Academic accreditation for the Field Semester
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Official course listing and transcripted college credit
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Oversight of academic quality and learning outcomes
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Students earn 16 Prescott College credits during the semester, which may be transferable to many colleges and universities depending on institutional policies. Tuition for academic credit is paid directly to Prescott College, separate from the program fee.
DEER HILL
EXPEDITIONS
Field Campus, Risk Management, and Expedition LeadershipDeer Hill Expeditions serves as the field campus and experiential operations partner for the Field Semester. With over 40 years of experience in wilderness education and cross-cultural learning, Deer Hill provides the physical setting, logistical support, and risk management infrastructure that makes immersive field learning possible.Deer Hill provides:Student housing and campus facilitiesAccess to kitchens, meeting spaces, and outdoor learning areasWilderness expeditions (backpacking and river rafting)Indigenous service-learning coordinationVehicle use for field travelComprehensive risk management and safety systemsProfessional wilderness guides for expedition componentsAll wilderness travel and outdoor expeditions are conducted under Deer Hill’s permits, safety protocols, and experienced leadership.
