The Clemente Course in the Humanities

08/23/2026

We’re delighted to welcome Prisha Bishen to the Clemente Course in the Humanities team as our new Research Assistant! 🎉

Prisha recently graduated from Bard College with a B.A. in Psychology (with honors). She brings a background in experimental psychology, cross-cultural affective science, and qualitative fieldwork with vulnerable populations.

At Clemente, she’ll be contributing to our ongoing research, exploring how education creates access and possibility for adults navigating systems not built with them in mind.

In her own words:

“Education should meet people where they are, not the other way around. Clemente builds that belief into practice by treating it as the basic right it is, and I’m excited to be a part of it!”

Welcome to the team, Prisha!

08/20/2026

08/18/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Ousmane Power-Greene, recipient of the inaugural Amy Richter Teaching Award!

Clemente’s annual Teaching Award was established in memory of Dr. Amy Richter, celebrating excellence in teaching and honoring Amy’s enduring commitment to transformative humanities education.

“Thank all who nominated me, and I know there’s an incredible group of teacher-scholars here, so very humbled, and excited to spread the word about Amy as an incredible intellectual, teacher, and community member.” - Dr. Power-Greene

Come celebrate this honor and our 2026 Public Humanities Prize in person this September in Boston!
�RSVP at the link in comments!

08/13/2026

Honoring Reginald Dwayne Betts & celebrating the Public Humanities through the lens of Antonio McAfee.

Clemente is honored to feature the work of photographer Antonio McAfee as part of the 2026 Public Humanities Prize celebration.

This piece, The Magician (2019), is a reimagining of a portrait from the Ronald Rooks Collection of Civil War-era photographs. McAfee transforms a static image into a stereoscopic one, introducing movement and depth to a figure once fixed in place and deepening our connection to him. It’s a fitting gesture for a prize built on the belief that the humanities can restore complexity and humanity to stories we thought we already knew.

Join us in Boston on September 25th as we present this piece in person. It’s a rare chance to see McAfee’s work up close, hear from Betts himself, and connect with Clemente students, alumni, faculty, and community partners who share a belief in the humanities’ power to open doors and strengthen communities. RSVP link in bio.

08/08/2026

Course Spotlight: Dorchester Clemente Course in the Humanities at Codman Square Health Center

This spring, the Dorchester course celebrated 25 years of free, accessible, college-level humanities education.

The Boston Mayor’s Office recognized “25 years of service and impact within the community” with an official commendation. Thank you to all of the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make the course so special!�

Read the full spotlight on our website. https://www.clementecourse.org/course-spotlight-the-boston-clemente-course-at-codman-square-dorchester

07/24/2026

The Clemente Course in the Humanities is proud to announce Reginald Dwayne Betts as the recipient of the 2026 Public Humanities Prize. Betts is a poet, lawyer, and the founder & CEO of Freedom Reads, an initiative to radically transform access to literature in prisons.

On receiving the award, Betts commented: “The Clemente Course creates opportunities that many have long sought and struggled to piece together on their own. I remember years when I worked desperately while in prison to build for myself what they have been building for so many others. I think about what Clemente provides to those returning from prison; I remember when I came home and didn't know what the word semester was but had the intellectual ability to excel in a classroom. Clemente is creating a space for people like me. I'm honored."

You're invited to connect with the Clemente community to celebrate the transformative power of the public humanities on September 25, 2026, from 5-7pm at Trident Booksellers and Cafe (338 Newbury Street, Boston, MA). The evening will include a reading by Betts, followed by a discussion and Q&A, with appetizers and drinks served.

RSVP at the link in comments. The event is free and open to all. See you in September!

07/16/2026

Meet the 2026 Clemente Student Leader Award Winners!

Swipe ➡️ to hear what Clemente means to them in their own words.

Congrats, Olga & Alicia!



Olga spoke at her Clemente graduation

06/24/2026

Exciting news for Clemente alumni!

Ready to learn more? Browse all courses Clemente alumni are eligible for and fill out the Expression of Interest form at the link in comments to get started.

05/22/2026

05/13/2026

Clemente alumni, this one's for you!

The Clemente Alumni Council is now accepting proposals for a new series of Public Humanities Roundtables, made possible by the Mellon Foundation.

You have questions worth asking and a community worth convening, and we want to hear from you.

Read the full Call for Proposals at the link below:
https://www.clementecourse.org/alumni-virtual-roundtables