We are excited to offer an opportunity for individuals looking to gain a more intensive learning experience through our work/study internship program. Each summer work/study’s come from all over to be immersed into the world of folk skills and farm life. Work/study’s have the opportunity to participate in Driftless Folk School classes as well as concentrate on skills that interest them— in connection with a vast network of local farmers, builders, artists, and educators. Throughout the season with us each work/study also learns a great deal about running a small non-profit organization
Application Deadline Extended!
We are now accepting applications until March 15, 2012.
To download the work/study application, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When does the work/study program begin?
All work/study’s must be available to start the first week in June. The program runs through the end of September.
What is the structure of the work/study position?
Work/study’s live together on a host farm where they work 20-25 hours each week for their host doing building projects, animal chores, gardening, food preservation, etc. On weekends work/study’s may attend DFS classes of their choice. Work/study’s also have the opportunity to participate in various projects on other farms in the Driftless area with regular enrichment days. Examples of past enrichment days have included haying, visiting a local loom, harvesting grapes & hops, timberframing, grape trellising, chicken butchering, a rotational grazing tour, and helping with large scale market gardens. In addition, work/study’s will attend Driftless Folk School board meetings, help with catalog design and creation, and attend certain events as Driftless Folk School representatives.
Where is the Driftless Folk School?
Generally speaking we are based in Viroqua, WI though the Folk School currently does not have a campus. We are a de-centralized school that hosts classes throughout the Driftless regions – in homes, schools, and farms. Our monthly board meetings are held at the Youth Initiative High School in Viroqua and the summer 2012 homestay is currently located 10 miles south of Viroqua.
How many hours will I work on the farm and what will I do?
You will be required to work with your home farm for 20 -25 hours a week. In a typical day you might do several different projects including planting, weeding, or harvesting in the garden, animal care, fencing, weeding in the food forest, moving chickens, shoveling out a barn, compost, cleaning of shared spaces, working on a fermentation project, or any number of other things. If you have questions about skills specific to the 2012 work/study host farm feel free to contact Annie.
Do I need to be around on weekends?
The simple answer is: yes, you should plan on being here on the weekends. Some weekends you may need to help on the farm (ex. Harvest time) or attend represent DFS at an event. Most weekends are left open for taking folk school classes and exploring the area. Country life is a dynamic environment where a certain level of flexibility is always necessary.
What is the living situation?
The 2012 work/study’s will be staying at a small farm on 60 acres of land, 10 miles from Viroqua with hosts Ann and Chris and their two dogs. Work/Study’s will share a floor of the house with a ½ bathroom and living area. The house includes lots of shared living space, a nice kitchen, shelves of good books to read, and wireless internet access. Due the land’s valley location, cell phone service is typically nonexistent from home. The farm has a large organic garden, beef cattle, goats, bees, chickens & draft horses.
Do I need a car?
You are not required to have a car, however the 2012 homestay is 10 miles south of town on a hilly road. Past work/study’s have stated that having available transportation is highly encouraged so if you have a car, we suggest you bring it.
What about meals?
Most lunches and dinners are eaten together with work/study’s taking an active role in food preparations. Summer is a wonderful time to live on a farm and explore the joys of cooking! Breakfast is usually made by the individual with coffee and tea available.
Do I get paid?
Yes, not only do you get free room/board and access to free folk school classes, you will receive a $100 monthly stipend.
What do I do for the Folk School?
In the past work/study’s have designed course catalogs, blogged about their experiences, attended conferences and fairs as DFS representatives, created artwork for catalogs and/or the website, done website work, created advertising, hosted events, etc. Work/Study’s may be required to represent the folk school at certain events, such as Midwest Renewable Energy Association Fair, Kickapoo County Fair, and the local farmers market. In addition, work/study’s are expected to attend board meetings and be good representatives of the folk school in classes and while in town.
Do I get to go to folk school classes for free?
Yes, you will get to attend a certain number of Folk School classes for free. You are, however, required to pay the supply fee for the class. Supply fees vary – anywhere from $5 – $100.
What is the average age of a work/study? Most of our applicants have been between the ages of 21-30 years old.
Please feel free to contact us, if you have any other questions.
To download the work/study application, click here.