Unfortunately, you must be able to attend for the full duration of the program in order to apply.

Yes, you can apply to more than one program at the same time, but please note you can only attend one program per year.

In the unfortunate event that you are not able to attend after you have been accepted, you will need to apply again for the following year.

The Center is located in Catskill, NY, approximately 2h journey from midtown Manhattan. The easiest way to get to the Center is via Amtrak from Moynihan Train Hall to Hudson train station.

If you will be driving, we will ask that you park your car in the municipal lot in Catskill Village, as there is no on-site parking at the Center.

If you travel from outside the NY area, we suggest flying into one of NYC’s major airports or Albany airport, and commuting to the farm via Amtrak.

We will provide room and board for nine days and all learning activities free of charge. All participants are required to cover their travel to and from the Center. For reference, an Amtrak round trip ticket from Moynihan Train Hall in NYC to Hudson train station is approximately $60. Transportation between Hudson train station and the Center is provided by the Matthew Strother Center’s team. If you miss your train, or can’t be at the train station at the designated time, there are taxi companies in Hudson that can give you a ride from the station to the Center for a flat fee (approx. $60).

We strive to be as accessible and accommodating for all individuals as possible, and this work is our priority. There are some physical challenges to be aware of on the property for those with limited mobility, most notably uneven ground and difficult terrain for walking (gravel, hills, muddy terrains, etc). The accommodation where you will be staying is rented, and unfortunately it is not accessible by wheelchair, but we have made this a priority for our future programs.

Our culinary ethos is rooted in the following practices:

Plant-forward and pantry-inspired. Lots of vegetables, as often as possible. Our emphasis is on hyper-local produce (from the Center and nearby farms), as well as sustainability, availability, and seasonality.

Very little to no waste. We continuously repurpose leftovers and often utilize stems and scraps in our meals before composting.

Practical, not performative. Meals at the Center will not revolve around trends or what looks good in a photo. We cook for sustenance, nutrient density, fun, and deliciousness.

We will have a chef preparing food every day, but participants will be responsible for cleaning up dishes and table after eating.

We take dietary restrictions and food allergies very seriously. While we do frequently serve meats, poultry, and eggs, we are very comfortable with vegetarian and vegan diets. We can also happily accommodate dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free diets. We may not be able to accommodate individuals with extremely sensitive nut allergies, celiac disease, or any similar instance in which cross-contamination cannot occur because of medical risk. Due to our limited facilities, we cannot offer fully kosher meals.

Yes. Ticks are an unfortunate seasonal reality throughout much of the Northeast, and you will encounter them during your time on the Center. Ticks are unlikely to spread disease if they are caught within 36 hours of attaching themselves to you. To avoid risk, you can protect yourself daily with tick repellent when spending time outside for an extended period of time. You can also wear appropriate clothing that covers your arms and legs entirely when spending time in wooded areas or fields.

Additionally, poison ivy can also be found on the farm. We encourage you to use caution when interacting with plants that look unfamiliar to you, especially along our walking trails or in less-landscaped areas onsite.

We will operate on a common sense basis. That is, if you are not well, you cannot attend the program. This is because participants will be in close proximity to one another, and one sick person could turn the whole experience miserable for everyone else, as well as potentially endangering vulnerable others along the way.

If you are immunocompromised or are part of a vulnerable population, please consider you are entering a communal environment. You will be having all your meals with the other participants, sometimes indoors, so please think about how you will protect yourself. Participation in communal activities is a key part of the programs, so we are not able to accommodate separate dining arrangements.

Yes, there is no geographic requirement for applying to the Matthew Strother Center. You must be able to read and speak English at a proficient level.

Yes. Last year we were overwhelmed by the quality of the applications, which made the final selection extremely difficult. We would have accepted many more applicants, if we had had the capacity.

We really want to serve more students each year, which is why we are working hard to grow our campus. You can help our fundraising efforts by spreading the word in the philanthropic community, and by donating!