I was a college communication teacher in a previous life. A couple of years ago, I decided to turn my life around and to gain practical skills.
I enrolled into a green remodeling workshop, although I have no background in building or architecture.
I was worried I would feel out of place. But I didn't. The surroundings are beautiful and peaceful, the solar panels were inviting, the food was homey, and most importantly, I really enjoyed the workshop! It made me feel that entering a new field was indeed possible. I left with more motivation than ever to pursue my new career goals.
I am particularly excited about the new semester programs which Yestermorrow has created. Students (from both undergraduate and graduate programs) are getting an amazing hands-on immersive experience designing and building a tiny house! As a former student and current board member, I can't recommend this program (or the school) highly enough.
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The Certificate Program (Sustainable Building and Design) gave me the foundation for a career in sustainable architecture. My favorite course was the Permaculture Design class, a 2 week foray into designing human environments based on the relationships found in natural ecologies. Teachers at Yestermorrow are passionate and extrememly knowledgeable, and the overall atmosphere at the school is one of striving to create a better world through good design. Great ideas, great people, great food - overall an A+.
I heard about Yestermorrow in a book called The House that Jill Built, which told stories of women who had built their own homes. The first course I took, in September 2008, was Home Design. I loved it--the teachers, my fellow students, connecting with a neglected creative part of myself. I also took a course In England on building a stone wall. And this summer I will be taking Carpentry for Women as well as Rustic Furniture. There are always at least a dozen or more courses that I want to take. I'm now looking for land so that I can start to build my dream home. Yestermorrow is a wonderful, magical place. Experience it for yourself!
Review from Guidestar
This is the place that both changed and reaffirmed the direction in my career. I came to this school as a novice carpenter, and through a summer internship, became an empowered novice carpenter :) All kidding aside, this was the best learning experience in any discipline in which I have worked/studied. The instructors and staff are world class professionals, the campus environment is focused but relaxed, and the educational experience intertwines the classroom with the job site. Yestermorrow is a one of a kind experience and offers the best opportunity to learn the skills of the past while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
This is a fantastic school. Very enthusiastic staff, and they make you feel right at home. They are always there to answer questions, were very professional and truly seem to enjoy what they are doing. The class was informative, and helped me think outside of my own comfort level in the woodwork that I had been doing.
Best short run programs on sustainability in the nation! This school is really amazing. Amazing ideals, excellent instructors and helpful staff. Set in a beautiful location with top notch class offerings from edible forest gardens to farm design build, micro hydro to drystacked stone and strawbale building. The classes are well structured, taught by expert professionals and the atmosphere genuinely refreshing. Did I mention the food is amazing. I would and do recomend this school to anyone interested in a hands on learning experience on hard to find class topics. Yestermorrow offers classes you can't find anywhere else and offers longer term study through their certificate programs.
I couldn't be more happy with my experience with the folks at Yestermorrow; I designed a house - with their help and expertise - that has actually been built, and which came out better than I ever would have expected. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable, personable, dedicated...They get my highest recommendation.
A wonderful community of faculty and students, very welcoming and engaging for people of all skill levels. Timberframing to fine woodworking, home repair and all manners of construction -- highly recommended!