In 2012 the Driftless Folk School will continue to offer an opportunity for individuals to gain a more intensive learning experience through its work/study internship program.
This 3-6 month term offers the chance to be amongst the progressive community of Vernon County, a beautiful, rural setting in southwest Wisconsin. Our work/study position, with a focus on hands-on, non-competitive learning, is a great complement and/or alternative to academic programs, and will be a valuable preparation for personal career possibilities. While fulfilling the established commitments outlined by the school, individuals will be encouraged, and supported, to engage in their chosen independent study projects (i.e. building a small shelter, maintaining a garden, practice of a craft).
To ensure an equally beneficial relationship between the Driftless Folk School and its work/study participant, a summary of the position is offered below.
As a work/study, you will be asked to work 30-35 hours/week in a variety of tasks including:
- office work
- farm chores, general homestead tasks
- building projects
- assistance to instructors, act as a representative at special events
In return, you will receive:
- entry into all desired classes
- room and board with a DFS host family and a stipend of $100/month
- involvement in board meetings
- connection to a vast network of farmers, builders, artists, educators, etc.
- ample time for independent study, personal interests
- resources of tools, workspaces
We are accepting applications for the 2012 season until March 1, 2012.
To download the work/study application, click here.
A Letter from 2010 Work/Study Participants Jenny Monfore and Eleva Potter
Welcome to the life of a work-study at the Driftless Folk School! For the first part of the summer we are living with Robert and Summer Schulz on their homestead outside of the small town of Hillsboro, WI. Each day we get started doing chores—milking the goats, feeding the chickens—then work on projects with our hosts for the rest of the day, learning as we go. We’ve helped build on the barn, plant and take care of the garden—plenty of weeding and mulching!—insulate the blacksmith shop with straw clay, can and prepare food and promote the folk school through community events such as attending the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair, putting on a family contra dance and creating the school’s catalog. For the second part of the season we will be moving to Ann and Chris Mahan’s farm near Viroqua, WI and are excited to gain a different perspective on alternative living.
We work about six hours a day, five days a week in exchange for room and board on the farm, $100/ month stipend and taking all the free courses offered by the school that we want! The work is pretty tough but rewarding at the same time—it’s satisfying to see our constant progress and gain confidence in our skills as the season unfolds. There’s plenty of time at the end of each day to take a dip in the spring pond, work on personal projects such as sewing or woodcarving, or sit on the porch swing and read.
The scenery here is beautiful and there are lots of great outdoor activities to do in our spare time—biking, hiking, and canoeing the nearby Kickapoo River. We live about forty-five minutes from Viroqua, and often go into town to eat delicious local food while listening to old time music at the Driftless Café and stop by the Viroqua Food Co-op.
Country life is quiet but there is plenty of activity on the farm to keep us busy and learning all the time.
Please feel free to contact us, we would love to talk with you more about our experiences here!
—Jenny and Eleva