Sterling Campus

Reimagining the former Sterling College campus is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our community.

Specs: 156 acres, 10 primary spaces, 16 outbuildings, plus gardens, field, pasture, woods & wetlands

Status: Headwaters has signed an agreement to buy the campus; closing anticipated by the end of the year.

Dear Neighbors,

The Sterling campus has anchored our community for decades. What happens next will impact generations to come.

Your voice belongs in this.

The Headwaters board is preparing a thoughtful, inclusive engagement process to get community input on the right questions at the right times.

In the meantime, we hope you’ll follow along, ask questions and stay connected. Membership is one of the best ways to help shape and support our work.

We are honored to steward this place, and humbled by your trust and support. Thank you.

A Community Vision

As a community land trust (CLT), Headwaters is committed to development that meets real community needs and priorities.

AFFORDABLE HOMES

Finding a home in our region is a challenge for everyday people.

Headwaters is exploring how the campus could help, using the CLT model for long-term affordability.

YEAR-ROUND CHILDCARE

The need for childcare in our region far exceeds availability.

Relocation of Craftsbury Saplings to a former dormitory will double their enrollment capacity.

COMMUNITY ASSETS

CLTs can address all kinds of community needs and priorities.

While we learn more about the physical infrastructure on site, share your ideas.

Looking for space?

We hope to make some spaces available while the planning process for a longer-term vision unfolds. If you’re interested, let us know →

Project Progress

DONE

After Sterling College announced its closing in November 2025, neighbors, local organizations, and regional partners came together to find a way to keep the campus in community hands.
Headwaters submitted a proposal to acquire and hold the campus for long-term community benefit.
In September 2026, Headwaters and Sterling College signed an agreement for the campus.
Read the press release →

IN PROGRESS

Property, title and survey review to confirm the purchase is sound before moving forward. Plus preparing Headwaters' legal and organizational structure for stewardship.

UPCOMING

If due diligence goes well, ownership transfers to Headwaters. We anticipate closing by the end of the year.
Detailed assessments of the buildings, infrastructure, and finances will show which uses are realistic for which parts of the campus.
Headwaters, with professional support, will conduct a thorough, inclusive engagement process to assess community needs and priorities.
Headwaters will evaluate feasible proposals for campus use and develop plans for priority projects.
We’ll build the team and raise the funds required to begin the first development project(s).
Renovation and development on first project(s).