About Clemente
Many of our students experience financial hardship. In addition to economic distress, our students commonly report other major barriers to higher education, including housing insecurity, incarceration, trauma, health-related challenges, and other issues.
Clemente offers an open door. We require only that students are at least 17 years old, able to read a newspaper, and plan to complete a year-long course. As college tuition soars, Clemente Courses remain free. Our courses also provide crucial wrap-around support by covering the costs of childcare, transportation, and books while students attend class.
Everyone who completes a Clemente course receives a certificate of achievement. Students who demonstrate college-level work may earn credit from Bard College or another academic partner.
Since 1996, more than 13,000 students have participated in a Clemente Course.
The Power of the Humanities
The Clemente Course in the Humanities provides a transformative educational experience for adults facing economic hardship and adverse circumstances. Our free college humanities courses empower students to further their education and careers, become effective advocates for themselves and their families, and engage actively in the cultural and civic lives of their communities.
Recent News
Clemente Receives Largest Grant in its History
Calvin University launches new free humanities course inspired by Clemente
New $150,000 grant supports alumni seminars