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tuition-free, college level courses in art history, creative writing, literature and philosophy.
credit from Bard college and author powerful anthologies like: Clementinos: Voices from the Clemente Writing Project; We, Too, Are America; and This is your Democracy.
new ideas about historical texts and connect with your community about current civic issues.
leadership, academic and employment opportunities for the future.
Students will study art history, creative writing, literature, US history and philosophy in this 110 course led by humanities professors from Bard College.
Students will complete writing assignments, engage in classroom discussions and participate in field trips to cultural institutions. The course is completely free, including books and assistance with public transportation to get to and from class. Several sites also provide free childcare.
Classes are held in the evening twice a week for two semesters (may vary depending on site). Each class lasts two hours.
Semesters begin in September and end in May. Students who complete the course are eligible for six credits from Bard College and will have the opportunity to participate in graduation ceremonies.
The course is open to adults age 17 and over. Prerequisites for participation include a high school diploma or equivalent certification, and a family income of 150% of the federal poverty line or below.
The class is free. Students receive free books and assistance with public transportation. Several sites also provide free childcare. Faculty are paid stipends and the host sites receive support to make the program possible.
We offer the Clemente Course in six cities across Massachusetts including:
Inspired by a visit to a correctional facility in 1995, writer Earl Shorris started a course with faculty of fellow scholars at the Roberto Clemente Family Guidance Center in the city’s Lower East Side neighborhood. Graduates of that first course went on to become dentists, nurses, fashion designers, and drug counselors with two participants later earning their PhDs. Since 1996, over 10,000 students have benefited from the Clemente Course in the Humanities. Classes continue to take place across the U.S., and around the world.
In 1999, we brought the Clemente Course to Massachusetts to give everyone, regardless of race, income and educational background, the opportunity to enrich their lives through the humanities. Overcoming formidable obstacles such as economic instability, health challenges, family responsibilities and disability, we have seen over 750 Massachusetts residents graduate from the program.
With the help of the Mellon Foundation and the Federation of State Humanities Councils, we’ve been able to publish writings from graduates of the Clemente Course, including We, Too, Are America; This is Your Democracy; and Clementinos: Voices from the Clemente Writing Project.
The Clemente Course is made possible with support from private foundations, individual donors and funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities and Mass Cultural Council. If you’re interested in supporting the Clemente Course, consider donating or contacting Jill Brevik, Director of Development, for more information.
Mass Humanities
66 Bridge Street,
Northampton, MA 01060
Mass Humanities
66 Bridge Street,
Northampton, MA 01060
