Our Story 

The  Tahoe Semester officially launched in January 2022, but its roots go back nearly 20 years to the High Sierra Program at Azusa Pacific University. When that program relocated to the Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center in 2020, the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities (APCU) was given an opportunity to take over sponsorship and open the program to students at a wide range of institutions. One of those institutions, Centre College, agreed to rework the curriculum and develop a new set of courses built around environmental science, humanistic inquiry, and social justice that celebrate the beauty and the wonder of the High Sierra and the indigenous people of that region. 

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The result is a remarkable educational opportunity that brings students and faculty together in a peaceful, natural setting to share classroom learning and wilderness experiences as a cohesive, intentional community. 

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In the middle of that setting is Zephyr Point, which serves as the campus for the Tahoe Semester. Zephyr Point is a comprehensive camp and conferencing venue that has been hosting individuals and groups from around the world for nearly 100 years. It's location on the shores of Lake Tahoe provides an inspired setting to offer a range of educational and recreational programs while providing convenient access to outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, and rock climbing.  

 

Zephyr Point provides housing and meals for students and faculty as well as all of the facilities, equipment, and technology resources needed to support your participation in the Tahoe Semester. Of course, you also have access to a half-mile of private lakefront property--including docks and a beach--for your personal enjoyment.