Climate change demands action. Food systems need transformation. Communities deserve justice. If you're ready to be part of the solution, the Regenerative Food Systems Certificate at Fort Lewis College will equip you with the skills and knowledge to make real change happen.
This standalone interdisciplinary certificate program is open to current ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ students and community members. Combining hands-on farming experience with food systems education, you'll graduate workforce-ready with identifiable skills for your resume and practical experience that employers value.
You'll learn through real fieldwork—from daily campus garden work to immersive experiences at regional farms and Tribal communities across Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. Students train at the Old Fort Farm in Hesperus, with many participating in the intensive Farmer-in-Training Program.
Whether you're a current student looking to pair this with your existing degree or a community member pursuing it independently while working, the program is designed to accommodate your schedule and career goals with flexible timing options.
The centerpiece? Paid internships placed locally, with Tribal nations, and nationally that often lead directly to full-time careers and provide identifiable resume experience.
Indigenous food sovereignty and traditional agriculture practices. Connect with nationwide networks supporting Native American farmers and food systems development.
Hands-on farming experience and farmer training Complete intensive fieldwork and participate in the Farmer-in-Training Program at this working farm in Hesperus, Colorado.
Regenerative ranching and land stewardship Learn from leading practitioners in regenerative agriculture and collaborative conservation across the Southwest.
Current ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ students: Add the certificate through the same process you'd use to declare a major or minor.
New students: Submit an application along with the required supporting documents based on your academic background:
*Please note: Pursuing only the Regenerative Food Systems Certificate does not qualify you for state or federal financial aid.
"The class that intrigued me the most was Agroecology; we had hands-on experience with each concept we discussed, making the content more memorable and engaging."
Your career, your impact
With a Regenerative Food Systems Certificate, you'll be ready to excel in the growing sustainable agriculture and food justice sectors. Whether you envision yourself organizing communities around food access, managing regenerative farm operations, or working with Tribal nations on food sovereignty, your path starts here. Imagine yourself as a: