Cumberland Scholars

All SAS students participate in experiences that capitalize on SAS’s unique geographic assets, including a 550-acre campus that includes an ongoing wetlands research site, an archaeological dig, and 13 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.

Students who are committed to the environment, inspired by the natural world, and energized by outdoor adventure, may take that interest to the next level through the Cumberland Scholars program, an opportunity for SAS students who pursue a set of place-based/outdoor requirements to graduate with distinction.

As a 9th or 10th grader, you may choose to pursue intentional and consistent work to satisfy place-based and outdoor education requisites towards the Cumberland Scholar distinction. The road to distinction will include academic study, experiential learning, technical skill demonstrations, service requirements, and leadership opportunities. The crowning achievement will be a public presentation of a capstone research project focused on place-based or outdoor education in your senior year.

Current and recent SAS courses that satisfy the academic expectations for distinction include:

• Archaeology of the Southeastern United States
• Environmental Literature
• Environmental History
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Stewardship
• Field Geology
• Landscape Painting, Farming
• Outdoor Adventure
• Place-Based American Studies
• Photography: Community Connections

Students in the Class of 2024 will be the first to have the opportunity to achieve Cumberland Scholars distinction.