The Warren Wilson at Caney Fork program is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Warren Wilson students to spend a semester interning, studying, and researching at Caney Fork Farms, located in middle Tennessee. Caney Fork Farms is is an organic farm owned by Al Gore (former Vice President of the United States) that uses carbon farming practices to provide healthy, affordable food that prioritizes people and the planet. Their mission is to inspire others with living proof that regenerative, organic farming in Tennessee benefits farmers, the community, and the environment. This program is best suited for Sustainable Agriculture students, but can also be a strong fit for students in adjacent majors such as Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, and those interested in food studies.
Program Dates
The WWC at Caney Fork program is offered every fall semester beginning in fall 2025. The dates generally match those of the Warren Wilson semester, with the first day of work beginning on Monday, August 25th (with arrival the weekend prior) and the last day of work falling on Friday, December 12th. There will be a fall break that aligns with that of Warren Wilson, from October 13th through 17th.
Academic Credits
Students will have the opportunity to earn up to 18 credits during their semester at Caney Fork. Eight credits will be earned through academic seminars taught by Dr. Emily Stutzman, Head of Research & Outreach. Dr. Stutzman is a scholar of socio-ecological systems with a focus on the sociology of agriculture and natural resources. Students will earn an additional two credits through a virtual internship course, and can earn up to eight credits through their hours worked in their internship.
Coursework:
Topics in Sustainable Agriculture (4 credits, taught by Dr. Stutzman at Caney Fork, pass/fail, can possibly count towards Aggie Foodie major with prior approval)
Topics in Food Studies: Seminar on Agriculture and Society (4 credits, taught by Dr. Stutzman at Caney Fork for a letter grade, can count towards major requirements in Aggie Foodie, Environmental Science, and Environmental Studies)*
CDC 4860 200: Advanced Academic Internship Seminar (2 credits, taught remotely by a WWC instructor in an asychronous format)
CDC 4870: Internship credits (up to 8 credits for minimum 14 weeks, roughly 30 hours per week of work)
*Students from other majors should discuss with their advisor whether or not one or both of these courses could count towards their major (course substitutions)
How does this impact NSURS?
For students who are planning to complete the three semester course sequence for NSURS, the Caney Fork semester can occur during the middle semester of that sequence and keep you on track, as long as you are prepared to complete research and writing during your time at Caney Fork.
NSURS Sequence:
Semester 1 SCI 4800 - Research design (on-campus class)
Semester 2 (2 term classes, 1 credit each, SCI 4880 and SCI 4890) - can be completed while at Caney Fork
Semester 3 - Finish writing & submit thesis
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Caney Fork program, students must have completed one prerequisite: Intro to Sustainable Agriculture. Students must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA at the time of application.
Cost and Earnings
Students will remain fully enrolled at Warren Wilson during their semester at Caney Fork, and will pay the same tuition that they would were they on campus (with all financial aid that they typically receive, with the exception of their work award). Their cost for room and board for that semester will be covered by Caney Fork, and they will be paid at the rate of $14.85 for every hour worked (for a total of roughly $6237, based on 23 hours per week for 14 weeks). Students will not be compensated for time spent studying or in seminars. Students will be expected to purchase and prepare their own food with their earnings. For students who do not have access to a car, arrangements can be made to provide the group with a rental car for the duration of the semester (appropriate drivers license being a requirement).
Lodging at Caney Fork
Students will have their own private bedroom in a house on site at the Farm, with access to their own common area and kitchen.
Application Process
Students will apply via an application form that will be linked on this page. The application for fall 2025 opens March 7th, and closes on March 23rd. Applicants will be interviewed shortly thereafter. Please keep in mind that just two students will be selected to participate for fall 2025, so the process could be quite competitive.
The Caney Fork program not only carries prestige and a valuable career boost, but it is an amazing opportunity to earn up to 18 academic credits while pocketing your earnings and paying only your regular tuition (which for some will be $0, if you receive Milepost One or NC Free).
Questions?
Please contact Hannah Richardson in the CELC at [email protected]. She can help answer questions related to the application process, program policies, and the program experience. For questions about academic credits and your major, please work directly with your advisor.