OUR MISSION

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 their communities' cultural and civic lives.

The Clemente Course at PACE offers college-level instruction for up to 6 college credits to those who are aged 17+ and income eligible.

All students who are accepted receive a scholarship that covers tuition, books, field trips – everything!

If you are interested in the Fall 2024 Semester, apply here:  "Fall 2024 Application"

FALL Semester 2024

Tuesday and Thursday nights 5:30-8:30 pm
Classes begin Thursday 9/5 and meet most Thursdays and six Tuesdays (18 classes total)
Classes end for the fall term on 12/10/24
  • Classes will be held at PACE HEAD START on Madison Street.
  • FREE CHILDCARE for all students.
  • FREE transportation for New Bedford residents.

 

PACE Clemente Course Graduates

Clemente Graduates 2023

The Clemente Course in the Humanities provides tuition-free, college-level instruction for up to 6 college credits to those who are 17+ and are income eligible.

Course participants take classes in literature, art history, moral philosophy, American history, writing, and public speaking from college professors. Instructors are chosen for their skill in the classroom and commitment to working with non-traditional learners.

The Clemente Course grants a certificate of achievement to all students who finish the course and six college credits to those who complete it at a high level of academic performance. The credits come from UMass Dartmouth and can be transferred to any community college or university.

For more information about enrolling in the Clemente Course in the Humanities, email Susan Hagan at SusanHagan.Clemente@gmail.com

Clemente was a huge break for me as it helped me to focus and motivate myself. I gained more experience as well as friendships. The physical and emotional support of having friends around brings a lot to everyone. Tears, tiredness, opinions, silence, laughs, cracking up jokes, having snacks on break time and the speeches that gives everyone in fear or happy.  Having all of these are some of the things I will miss.

Gaining an education is a major change as it gives me more confidence to pursue another path to get another degree. Planning a new career and enjoy a new beginning for the future are my bucket list. I’m hoping to be better and be able to continue towards what I would like to do.

I am incredibly grateful and thankful to my professors, tutor and classmates for the wonderful adventure. Thank you for the endless effort of patience, understanding, encouragement and motivation.

I personally thank Ms. Susan for giving me the opportunity to have this program. Thank you again to everyone.   ~ Jean Romano is a 40-year-old Filipino with two young children. She migrated and has lived here for almost twenty years