Prospective Students

The Community Resilience Hub and Rodale Institute proudly announce:

The Heartland RIFT Program

Are you passionate about sustainable agriculture? Interested in starting your own small farm? Kansas Wesleyan University’s Community Resilience Hub launched the Rodale Institute Farmer Training (RIFT) in Salina, KS, in the spring of 2025. This renowned program is designed for aspiring farmers and entrepreneurs committed to regenerative farming practices.

Our program offers a comprehensive curriculum tailored to equip participants with the knowledge and skills essential for success in farming while being good stewards of the land. Whether you’re new to agriculture or are looking to transition to regenerative practices, our expert instructors and mentors will guide you every step of the way.

The Community Resilience Hub is committed to educating and assisting farmers in the transition to regenerative farming practices. We developed a program with the organic farming experts at Rodale Institute with the ultimate goal of offering its RIFT (Rodale Institute Farmer Training) training in Salina, Kansas.

Regenerative Farming Principles
Soil Health Management
Holistic Land Stewardship Techniques
Sustainable Food Systems

Environmental Stewardship
Agroecology
Soil Science
Agricultural Humanities

Hands-on Experiences
Pest Management
Planting & Harvesting
Animal Husbandry

Business and Marketing Training 

Community Engagement and Networking

Details:
This is a full-time, eight-month, accredited program that began March 17, 2025. It is ideal for those passionate about sustainable agriculture including students who are graduating from college, individuals seeking a second-career, veterans and those interested in learning regenerative farming practices to start or convert an existing farm.

Please contact Alexander Hurla (785-833-4569) if you are interested in learning more or applying to for the next cohort. You may also fill out the form below!

For current students:

Student Handbook
Farm Handbook
Library Resources

Other Student Opportunities

Registration is now open for the new minor in Environmental Justice. This minor includes a carefully curated set of current courses in environmental sciences, emergency management, environmental social sciences and social work that will equip students with values, knowledge and skills to contribute to organizations that are creating a more resilient, just and healthy world.

The new minor is ideal for those majoring in social work, science, business, communications, marketing and other disciplines as it prepares students for high-demand jobs in environmental organizations. The curriculum includes a directed study opportunity that can take place near Salina or in Puerto Rico (additional fees apply for the Puerto Rico opportunity).

Downloadable PDF on the new Environmental Justice minor

We also offer a minor in Environmental, Sustainability and Resilience Studies and our 3+2 Environmental Management Master’s Degree Program that offers students the opportunity to earn a liberal arts degree from Kansas Wesleyan University and a Master in Environmental Management from Western Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado.

Connect with our team