Start a Course
Let's dream up a new Clemente Course together!
The Clemente model is adaptable to local community needs and circumstances. In the guidelines below, we offer a peak at some of our most effective strategies for starting a course. But these are recommendations rather than requirements. Our national leadership team is available anytime to discuss how we might tailor a course to meet the needs of your community.
The Course Model
Structure
- Six college credit hours delivered over two academic semesters (typically September–May)
- Cohorts of 15-25 students.
- Classes meet twice weekly for two hours.
- Four core disciplines: Literature, Philosophy, Art History, and U.S. History.
- Critical Thinking and Writing may be added as a fifth discipline, but is more often integrated across the whole curriculum
Teaching Method
- Rigorous, discussion-based seminars led by experienced college faculty.
- Students learn to engage with and critique primary texts and cultural touchstones, while developing critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.
- Consult our Best Practices Guide for pedagogical insights
Accreditation
- All courses are credit-bearing.
- Partner with a local college or university, or pursue accreditation with our national academic partner, Bard College.
- Students who complete college-level work earn transferable credits.
- All graduates receive certificates of achievement.
Location
- We recommend embedding courses in accessible community spaces—not traditional campuses—to meet students where they are.
- Consider libraries, museums, religious institutions, health centers, community hubs, service agencies, veterans resource centers, and more.
Key Roles & Partners
Local Partners
- Site Partners: Provide physical meeting space, administrative support, and help recruit students from their community (examples: community health centers, libraries, universities, nonprofits)
- Funding Partners: Offer fiscal sponsorship and lead fundraising efforts
- Academic Partners: Provide course accreditation (local colleges/universities or Bard College)
Course Director
- The CD serves as administrator, mentor, and academic coordinator.
- This part-time role (approximately one-third FTE) includes recruiting students, supporting faculty, managing logistics, coordinating with partners, and ensuring student success.
- Qualifications: Advanced degree in humanities preferred; organizational skills and commitment to the mission essential.
Faculty / Instructors
- Four instructors (one per discipline) with Master's or Ph.D. degrees and prior teaching experience.
- Faculty must be flexible, creative, and committed to working with non-traditional students.
Planning Questions
Leadership
- Who will serve as Course Director?
Site Partner
- Where will classes meet?
- Who can provide space and recruit students?
Academic Partner
- Will you partner with a local college or use Bard College for accreditation?
Funding Partner
- Who will provide fiscal sponsorship and development support?
Faculty
- Which local colleges/universities can provide experienced instructors?
Student Population
- What specific community needs will your course address?
Student Support
- How will you provide childcare and transportation?
Timeline
6-12 Months Before Launch
- Identify and secure partnerships (site, funding, academic)
- Hire Course Director
- Develop budget and secure initial funding
- Begin community outreach and relationship-building
3-6 Months Before Launch
- Recruit and hire faculty
- Finalize curriculum and syllabi
- Launch student recruitment campaign
- Arrange childcare, transportation, and other support services
1-3 Months Before Launch
- Review student applications and conduct interviews
- Accept students and hold orientation
- Finalize classroom setup and materials
- Conduct faculty orientation