ABOUT US

The Folk School of Fairbanks is a 501c3 nonprofit organization (EIN: 45-2974643) that offers year-round classes and programs in a wide variety of hands-on disciplines.

Folk School Defined
As a folk school we are part of a 200-year-old tradition. Nikolaj Grundtvig started the folk school movement in Denmark during the European Industrial Revolution. It provided alternative learning opportunities through popular education (as opposed to formal education) and enlightenment for the lower classes. Inherent in Grundtvig’s folk school concept was the responsiveness of the school to the community and the times. Grundtvig deliberately did not set down detailed or rigid guidelines for the schools because he believed that folk schools develop organically out of the needs of the community and the demands of life as it is. His core belief was that learning should occur across social position and differences: the teacher learns from the student and the student learns from the teacher in a dynamic and mutual exchange.

Today folk schools can be found in many parts of the world and take on many forms. Most emphasize life-long learning, serve all ages and are not degree-granting. The unifying focus is on inspiring and empowering students through the process of learning new life skills that serve to build resilience in a changing world. Through the confidence that comes from learning new skills, students are challenged to discover their unique identity and how they can contribute to strengthening and supporting their community.

Our Story
A small group of us began dreaming and scheming about a folk school in Fairbanks over 30 years ago. We had been offering programs and classes for much of that time, mostly out of our own homes. Over the years the public response was enthusiastic and participants returned again and again looking for new opportunities. Many of these people have continued to hone their new skills and are now teaching others. The ever-growing group of people wanting to share their knowledge and learn from others was in need of an organizational structure and a facility. To this end we formed The Folk School.

Non-Discrimination Statement
The Folk School does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of instructors, volunteers, and vendors, and provision of services to our community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, instructors, volunteers, and staff. 

Committed to the Family Experience
People lead busy lives. Often we find ourselves without enough time to make a meal by hand, let alone eat it together. But there is something about sharing a kitchen and a meal that makes us feel entire. The Folk School is a place that protects time for families to make things together. The unhurried pace of creating something alongside a daughter or grandson is the white space that sometimes allows us to see what is really written on the pages of our lives.