The Clemente Course in the Humanities is an award-winning college-level seminar for highly motivated low-income adults seeking to build better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Worcester’s Clemente Program is sponsored by Mass Humanities in partnership with Worcester County Poetry Association, and other local organizations and donors committed to making a significant difference in the world.
WHY IT WORKS
EAGER STUDENTS
who bring their enthusiasm for learning
and rich life experience to the classroom.
INSPIRING PROFESSORS
from local colleges who are enthusiastic about their subjects
and expert at creating that same kind of enthusiasm in their students.
STIMULATING CLASSES
that combine timeless humanities texts with timely questions.
A PROVEN PROGRAM STRUCTURE
that removes the obstacles to success.
In addition to free tuition, each Clemente student receives a scholarship that includes:
A Bus Pass
Books for All Courses
Child Care During Class Sessions
A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WITH SHARED GOALS
who encourage and support one another.
A BROAD NETWORK OF COMMUNITY PARTNERS
dedicated to improving Worcester and the lives of its citizens
by educating leaders.
And Countless Dedicated Individuals
A RESPECTED NATIONAL PARTNER
As the National Headquarters of the Clemente Program, Bard College provides 6 college credits for each student who successfully completes the seminar requirements.
Bard also supervises courses to ensure they meet the high standards of the program.
A HISTORY OF SUCCESS
Since the first Clemente Course was offered over 30 years ago, more than 10,000 adults have taken part in these college-level humanities seminars.
To honor this achievement, a National Humanities Medal was conferred upon founder Earl Shorris in 2000.
In 2014, a National Humanities Medal was awarded to the Clemente Program in recognition of its ongoing success.
WHY IT MATTERS
IT CHANGES THE LIVES OF STUDENTS
who go on to further education, better jobs, and higher levels of performance.
Asked what word best describes the Clemente Program, Jarelys Castillo (above) answered: “ESSENTIAL.”
Graduates of the program in Massachusetts have reported that the Clemente course allowed them to develop:
Strengthened Reading, Writing, and Analytical Skills
A Deepened Respect for Alternative Points of View
A New Understanding of Their Own Lives
A Greater Sense of Self-Confidence
A Deepened Appreciation of the Value of Education for Themselves and Their Families
IT CHANGES THE LIVES OF FAMILIES
when children see their parents as academic role models.
The level of a parent’s education is the single strongest predictor of the child’s success–even in adulthood.
Children of parents with at least some college education are more likely to demonstrate school readiness skills at ages 3-6; enjoy reading and writing; perform at a high level in math, reading, and science; and have prestigious jobs in adulthood.
I believe in my life, my future, my tomorrow and the tomorrow of my children because when you educate one person in a household you have educated a whole household.
–Doreen Samuels, Clemente Worcester Class of 2016
IT CHANGES THE LIVES OF COMMUNITIES
because Clemente students are leaders
who use what they learn in the classroom to benefit others.
Works at CENTRO
a Social Service Organization for the Latino Community
Supports the work of AIDS Project Worcester
and Ex-Prisoners Organizing for Community Advancement
Active in the Church of the Evangelist Homeless Outreach
A leader of the South East Asian Coalition
Works with the Worcester Community Action Council
Promotes school readiness through work with
Worcester Family Parnership
Whatever I learn through the course I want to take it back to the community. . . Work with refugees and immigrants and inspire the next generation. Help them transition to the American life. Pay it forward. –Boa Newgate, Clemente Worcester Class of 2016
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Join us in using humanities education
to change lives, families, and communities for the better.
Interested in becoming part of a future Clemente class?
You are eligible to apply if you:
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are at least 17 years old
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have the ability to read a newspaper in English
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belong to a household with an income no more than 150% of federal low-income guidelines
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are willing to attend classes, do assignments, and complete the course.