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Future Generations University Solving Global Problems with Local Solutions

Future.Edu Growing Sustainable Communities

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  • ADMISSIONS
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    • COVERDELL
    • AMERICORPS MEMBERS
    • BENDING BAMBOO
  • ACADEMICS
    • ACADEMICS
    • MASTER’S DEGREE
    • APPALACHIAN CONFERENCE
    • INDIA RESIDENTIAL COURSE
    • GRADUATE CERTIFICATES
    • CONTINUING EDUCATION
    • FOR STUDENTS
    • INTRO TO COMMUNITY CHANGE
    • TAKING IMPACT TO SCALE
    • SOCIAL RESEARCH FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
    • FUNDRAISING AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
    • ALUMNI
  • RESEARCH
    • MAPLE
    • SOCIAL CHANGE
    • SONGS OF ADAPTATION
    • MONITORING NATURE
    • SEED-SCALE
    • EDUCATION RESEARCH
    • HEALTH
    • CONSERVATION
    • PEACE
    • FACULTY SCHOLARSHIP
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Free downloadable resources

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Walnut

WALNUT SAP FLOW

Walnut Sap Flow and Syrup Making Field Trial, Jan-March 2019 by Mike Rechlin:

This report summarizes the experiences of a major field trial in walnut tapping at the Dry Fork Maple site conducted by Future Generations under a WVDA research contract. It also integrates work done by two producers in WV and the Virginia Tech Catawba Farm in VA. Download

Walnut 2020 Spiles

Research into Designing a Walnut Specific Spile, April 2020, by Mike Rechlin, Christoph Herby, “Chip” Matheny, and Karen Milnes:

This report details an initiative conducted through the 2019-2020 sap flow season to design and test a spile specific to walnut trees. Drawing off of findings from the 2019 “Walnut Sap Flow and Syrup Making Field Trial” the longer, more highly tapered spile design aimed to counteract problems identified in the previous study. This research was conducted with support from the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. Download

Walnut 2020 Vacuum

The Effect of Vacuum on Walnut Sap Flow, April 2020, by Mike Rechlin, Kate Fotos, Christoph Herby, and Mat Cabral:

This report details an initial study on the effects of vacuum on walnut sap production. With low vacuum, averaging 8-inches Hg, sap flow doubled (p<0.05). Late in the season, the research team connected a larger pump, which pulled 20-inches Hg. Though not enough runs were conducted to determine a statistical difference, in initial observations, walnut trees produced over double the sap under higher vacuum. This research was conducted with support from the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. Download

Timing of Tapping

Walnut – Observations on The Timing of Tapping, 2020 Sap Flow Season by Mike Rechlin and Christoph Herby:

This report discusses an initial study on the proper time to tap walnut trees. Walnut trees are anatomically different from maple trees, indicating that they may have a different sap flow season. In the initial study, the data shows that walnut trees run concurren to maples. However, a single tap placed in late April produced an equal amount of sap in half a day as a tap did on average over the whole maple sap season. This research was conducted with support from the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. Download

Sycamore

Sycamore Sap and Syrup

Sycamore Sap and Syrup Field Trial, January-March 2019 by Mike Rechlin:

This report summarizes an initial field trial and study of sycamore sap collection and syrup production. Sycamore trees, as a diffuse porous hardwood, in theory would produce a sweet sap that could be made into syrup. In this study, a diaphragm pump on 3/16ths-inch sap line was attached to 25 spouts on 18 trees, collecting syrup from January 23rd to February 13th. This study was conducted with support from the WVDA through a Specialty Crop Block Grant. Download

Maple

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Appalachian Maple Syrup Production Handbook:

A resource guide to the basics of maple sugaring. Download

West Virginia Sugar Operation Review Preparedness Manual & Regulatory Guidelines, By Britney Hervey Farris:

This manual is a step by step guideline for making your syrup making facility is ready for the production of food products. Download

West Virginia Sugar Operation Review Preparedness Manual & Regulatory Guidelines-Appendix:

Appendix for the above handbook and manual. Download

TubingCheckValves

3/16-inch Tubing with Check Valves Trial, 2018 by Mike Rechlin:

Using two parallel sap lines, the effectiveness of check-valve (CV) spouts was tested. During the testing period, there was a warm spell with temperatures reaching above 70 degrees and not reaching below freezing. After the warm spell the CV spouts should have much higher sap production than the non-CV spouts, ending the season with the CV spouts producing 37% more sap than the normal spouts. This study was conducted with support from the WVDA through a Specialty Crop Block Grant. Download

TAPPING DEPTH AND SAP

Tapping Depth & Sap Quantity, 2019 by Mike Rechlin:

This study discusses the effects of driving taps deeper into the drilled tap hole. By driving the tap an extra ¾-inch into the drilled hole, a producer reduces their sap output by 60%. Which means, for every extra hammer hit past the taps natural seating position, the producer decreases their output by 20%. This study was conducted with support from the WVDA through a Specialty Crop Block Grant. Download

Group and Operation Studies

USFS Land Research

Tapping on National Forest Lands: A Case Study of The Mt. Rogers Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad in Whitetop, Virginia, March 2019 by Mike Rechlin and Tom Hammett:

This case study discusses the sugaring operation run by the Mt. Rodgers Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. Exploring the operation from permit acquisition to its future plans, this study sheds light on a unique maple syrup operation. This study was conducted with support from the WVDA through a Specialty Crop Block Grant and the VADA through a Specialty Crop Block Grant. Download

White Grass Case Study

Agritourism and the Highland View White Grass Ski Touring Center Collaborative, April 2020 by Mike Rechlin:

This case study details the partnership between Highland View Farm, Canaan Valley Maple, and White Grass Ski Touring Center. This partnership is an interesting mix of historical maple production, current production practices, and tourism, resulting in a unique agritourism site in the heart of Canaan Valley. This case was part of the Sweet Opportunities Project supported by the generosity of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. Download

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Rocket Stove Sap Evaporator, 2020 by Mike Rechlin and Arley Carpenter:

This stove is designed to provide a fast and vigorous boil with near complete combustion resulting in efficient wood use. Based on rocket stove principles, this sap evaporator was also designed to be inexpensive to build and capable of being fabricated by a local welder. The Rocket sap evaporator is meant for “backyard” syrup producers. Developed by West Virginia’s Future Generations University in collaboration with the Robert C. Byrd Institute of Advanced Manufacturing, these plans and instructions will get you “on the launch pad” and ready for the delicious and fun activity of making maple syrup. Download

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          Frequently Asked Questions

          How is Future Generations University different from other universities?

          • Future Generations University is for professionals in community change. You can be an established professional or you can be newly entering. The program will fit you. Your major platform for learning will be your work, and the best of world learning is brought to your work … to help your community improve. At traditional universities, you go to school, then go to work after you get your degree. You will expand your work in learning connections throughout the world.
          • This connecting into the world begins in either specific certificate classes or the two-year Master’s degree, but once having entered Future.Edu of world-engaged learning, through the parallel organization (Future.Org), you join a world-circling professional community of applied community change. You do not “graduate” from Future Generations University, but rather you commence into world, stature, professional, practicing discourse of continuing learning.

          Are you accredited?

          Accreditation

          Future Generations University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the largest and oldest accrediting body in the United States. This quality assurance by a federally-recognized body also meets requirements necessary for the institution to receive and manage federal financial aid funds. The accreditation process also provides a periodic opportunity and incentive for the institution to review, assess, and advance the quality of its educational and financial operations

          The Higher Learning Commission
          230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
          Chicago, IL 60604
          inquiry@hlcommission.org
          Phone: 1-800-621-7440
          Website:http://www.ncahlc.org/

          What is the purpose of the Future Generations University?

          For the last 15 years, Future Generations University has been dedicated to empowering committed development practitioners by providing a new model of applied higher education. By focusing learning in the communities where these change-makers already live and work, students immediately begin advancing social change with the skills and strategies they obtain.

          Future Generations University offers a two-year Master of Arts Degree in Applied Community Change. The program includes five specializations in different areas where communities have the opportunity to grow. Instruction is also offered through a range of focused certificates. Further, the University also conducts and applies research on the effectiveness of community-based approaches for achieving impact in a widening range of areas.

          What is Class/Enrollment Size?

          For the first fifteen years (Classes from 2003 through 2017), enrollment was exceedingly selective. Each class typically had 20+ students. The university is expanding now, but remains selective.

          To date, the Masters Degree program has prepared students from 40 countries. Since 2003, seven classes (Class 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015) have graduated. Through the 15 years an additional range of students have graduated from the certificate programs.

          Can you tell me more about your alumni?

          Our students enter as development practitioners in their own countries. The learning allows them to grow their jobs and communities. The following statistics indicate the engagement of our master’s alumni specifically.

          • Percentage of alumni Employed: 95%
          • Engaged in similar community work as during Master’s program: 83%
          • Working for the same organization as during the Master’s program: 58% (of these 40% have changed jobs within their organization, mostly promotions)
          • Working for a different organization: 42% (of these 36% have started their own organization/consultancy).
          • Working together on Future Generations Alumni Collaboration Grants: 37%
          • Continued on to obtain a PhD, are in, or applying for a doctoral/PhD program: 11%

          Am I eligible for the Masters Degree Program?

          Please check our eligibility criteria for full details. To summarize, all applicants to the master’s degree are required to: 1) work with a community throughout the two-year program; 2) have a Bachelors Degree or equivalent; 3) be proficient in the English language; and 4) have reliable internet connectivity. Applicants to the certificate programs generally are open to anyone willing to do the work.

          Do I have to quit my job to complete this Masters Degree Program?

          No. In most cases, students build their learning experience around their current position or field in order to maximize their effectiveness in these areas, using their current community as a learning platform. If participating in optional residential experiences, which require travel to a host community, the student should first obtain permission from an employer. Apart from these residential options, learning will be based in students’ home communities.

          How do donations to the university support the work of students?

          Students at Future Generations University have implemented incredible work making positive changes in their home communities and workplaces around the world (Read about some of their work).

          Most students come from admirable low-paying career paths in field like education, health services, rural development, and conservation driven by a passion to help others and secure a better future for their fellow community members.

          This means they often have limited funds for continuing education and their community building projects, and rely on the support of generous donors. We hope you will join! When you donate to our academic programs, you are not just funding a single development project, you are opening the door for a series of community-driven efforts led by our students and each additional community leader they train in empowerment methods.

          I'd like to support your students, how can I help?

          If you’d like to support the next generation of community leaders being trained by Future Generations, you can donate to a scholarship fund for current or future students. You could also work with our financial office to start a special fund for a program of your choice– perhaps you’d like to support students working in a designated field, from a specific country, or you’d like to fund a class focused on a certain area of community change. Visit our donate page for options on ways to contribute or contact us at (info@future.edu).

          Who is the best person to contact for more information about the university?

          Our staff will be happy to supply you with additional information ​ if you are a member of the press or simply seek answers to some more questions not addressed on this page. Please email us at graduate@future.edu and we will do our best to give you the information you would like.

          You can also contact any of our offices worldwide and meet with the team there.

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                    Our research, learning, and action gives communities tools to make their lives better. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date with Future Generations.

                       

                      Our History

                      Future Generations first began tackling humanity’s toughest challenges in 1992: understanding how to create community-driven change that is both sustainable and scalable. Recognizing traditional approaches to community development were not working, UNICEF launched a task force and enlisted Future Generations to study this question around-the-world. Future Generations was founded to promote the newly synthesized method for community-based sustainable development.

                      After a decade of successful demonstrations of the methodology advancing health, peacebuilding, conservation, education, and livelihoods across India, Afghanistan, China, Peru and other nations, Future Generations formed a new global learning community to extend this method at scale. A separate graduate school was established in 2006, which today advances research, learning, and action in 42 countries as Future Generations University (Formerly Future Generations Graduate School). The original civil society organization, Future Generations Inc., continues to serve as a connector and resource hub between country programs and the university’s growing alumni in the Future Generations Global Network.

                      As this learning organization evolved into a University with new research initiatives and a wider reach, so did its innovative approach to global education. What sets all Future Generations programs apart is how they transform the community into the classroom. Life-useful learning is delivered over long distances through a combination of online coursework, peer learning, and community-based projects. The University offers a range of learning opportunities, including online resources, customized training, certificate programs, and a Master of Arts in Applied Community Development. This degree program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the USA’s oldest and largest higher education accrediting body.

                      Our Shared Future

                      For the first time in human history, every country of the world has signed on to the same set of goals: the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In these, governments, many corporations, and donor agencies have shared targets to address our immense global challenges. Future Generations focuses on empowering communities around the world to better engage these structures of support from the bottom-up using the SEED-SCALE method.

                      Education is the great equalizer. Communities don’t need to wait for policy or leadership change to deliver needed services; learning can open the door to new skills that help communities use what they already have to advance a shared vision for the future. Students at Future Generations steer their learning journey according to local priorities so they can advance their personal goals alongside their professional work and community well-being.

                      Future Generations University is dedicated to opening this life-changing opportunity up to more community leaders in the coming years by:

                      • Enhancing the Master’s degree, keeping costs low and increasing flexibility to grow enrollment
                      • Expanding Non-Formal Education offerings with new certificate and training programs customized for partner organizations
                      • Developing online learning resources and programs that open access to the SEED-SCALE method among new audiences around-the-world
                      • Advancing community-grounded research to promote site-specific innovations in health, education, economic development, climate change and ecosystem monitoring, and more
                      • Establishing Sustainable Development Learning Centers at sites of strength across our Global Network to extend learning and innovation for local sustainable development impact
                      • ADMISSIONS
                        ▼
                        • ADMISSIONS
                        • COVERDELL
                        • AMERICORPS MEMBERS
                        • BENDING BAMBOO
                      • ACADEMICS
                        ▼
                        • ACADEMICS
                        • MASTER’S DEGREE
                        • APPALACHIAN CONFERENCE
                        • INDIA RESIDENTIAL COURSE
                        • GRADUATE CERTIFICATES
                        • CONTINUING EDUCATION
                        • FOR STUDENTS
                        • INTRO TO COMMUNITY CHANGE
                        • TAKING IMPACT TO SCALE
                        • SOCIAL RESEARCH FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
                        • FUNDRAISING AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
                        • ALUMNI
                      • RESEARCH
                        ▼
                        • MAPLE
                        • SOCIAL CHANGE
                        • SONGS OF ADAPTATION
                        • MONITORING NATURE
                        • SEED-SCALE
                        • EDUCATION RESEARCH
                        • HEALTH
                        • CONSERVATION
                        • PEACE
                        • FACULTY SCHOLARSHIP
                        • ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP
                        • BOOKSTORE
                      • ABOUT US
                        ▼
                        • ABOUT
                        • FACULTY & STAFF
                        • TRUSTEES AND ADVISORY
                        • PRESIDENT
                      • PARTNERSHIP
                      • PUBLICATIONS
                      • SUPPORT
                      • BLOG