Oregon Humanities

Apply Now for HIP in Portland

Oregon Humanities is looking for curious, ambitious adults in the Portland area who do not have college degrees and are living on low incomes to apply for Humanity in Perspective. This course, offered in partnership with Reed College, meets Mondays and Thursdays in downtown Portland from September 2012 to March 2013. The application period is open until July 16, 2012; the program brochure and application can be downloaded below.

Downloads

• 2012 HIP Portland brochure
• 2012 HIP Portland application

23 May 2012 | Permalink | Comments? (0 so far)

Humanity in Perspective Overview

HIP in Portland

Oregon Humanities and Reed College jointly present a free public program to provide economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals in the Portland-metro area the opportunity to study the humanities in a two-semester, college-level course. Both organizations undertake this effort in the shared conviction that the humanities provide access to ideas and skills that in fact change people’s lives. Through a rigorous encounter with great texts and ideas, the program hopes to foster the intellectual and personal growth of the participants, to further their engagement in civic and community life, and to make it possible for them to choose to continue their education. With a class schedule and support services designed to address their unique needs, the program will allow students to engage with a college-level curriculum without the burdens of financial constraints, childcare, transportation costs, or interference with employment.

HIP in Salem

Oregon Humanities began a partnership with Willamette University to offer a one-semester HIP course in Salem beginning in summer 2009. Through twice-weekly classes taught by Willamette professors, HIP aims to promote the intellectual and personal growth of students, spark their interest in civic and community life and encourage them to continue their education. HIP students receive free tuition, books and other course materials; free child care during class; free bus tickets for transportation to and from class; and transferable college credit from Willamette University.

An Insider’s View

Read HIP graduate Sam Nerveza’s blog entry about how the course changed his life and the way he sees the world.

Program Goal

To increase civic participation and educational and economic opportunities for adults living on low incomes by removing barriers to the humanities and higher education.

Program History

Humanity in Perspective is based on the Bard College Clemente Course in the Humanities, an innovative program that began in New York City in 1995 and now operates in several cities nationwide and internationally, in Yucatan, Mexico. The Clemente program was founded by author and poverty activist, Earl Shorris, as described in his books, New American Blues: A Journey Through Poverty to Democracy (Norton, 1996), and Riches for the Poor: The Clemente Course in the Humanities (Norton, 2000). Bard College maintains oversight of the Clemente Course, and also provides supporting funds for the establishment of additional programs around the country. The dissemination project values the innovations of diverse communities seeking enrichment through the humanities.

From 2005 to 2008, Oregon Humanities offered a HIP course at the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) in Pendleton. EOCI has a strong commitment to education and offers GED courses, Adult Basic Education courses, and a few college courses. The offering of HIP at EOCI was based upon the conviction that all individuals, no matter their life history or economic circumstance, can live better as free persons in society once they have the opportunity to explore some of the fundamental questions of human existence through the great literature and ideas of the past and present. OH and EOCI believe that investing in education programs for inmates not only reduces recidivism but also breaks the cycle of criminality. HIP at EOCI was taught by professors from Eastern Oregon University, Blue Mountain Community College, and Whitman College.

Community Sponsors

Oregon Humanities works with social service and educational organizations to make this program a success in Portland. The role of these organizations, also called referral agencies, is to assist Oregon Humanities with student recruitment and retention. Referral agencies are committed to the following:

• Informing their clients about the HIP program.
• Assisting individuals interested in the program with the application process.
• Working with the HIP course director to provide support for the students they recruited who are selected to participate in the course. This helps us to ensure each student’s success in the class.

Program Cost

There is no cost to students or community sponsors. Tuition, course materials, books, transportation, and a childcare stipend are provided by OH. All of this would not be possible without the generous support of foundations, corporations, and individuals.

HIP Portland

Classes meet on Monday and Thursday evenings in downtown Portland, September through March.

HIP Salem

Classes meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings on the Willamette University campus, May through August.

For More Information

For more information, contact the course coordinator, Sarah Van Winkle, at (503) 241-0543 or (800) 735-0543, ext. 112; or by e-mail.

Downloads

• HIP Portland 2010 application
• HIP Portland 2010 brochure
• HIP Salem 2010 brochure

03 September 2009 | Permalink |