The Baldwin Year

During the Baldwin year, scholars participate fully in the College academic program, residential community, and social life. This opportunity is extended after the Baldwin year to include the resources of the Five College consortium, with an unmatched spectrum of classes, faculty, and other resources.

Courses and Advisors

As Hampshire students, Baldwin Scholars shape their own course of learning, with professors acting as mentors and guides. All Hampshire students receive written and oral evaluations rather than grades.

Scholars live on campus and enroll in a slightly reduced schedule of regular Hampshire courses, including a first-year tutorial and a writing course each semester. Meetings with their first-year tutorial professor are a critical element of the support provided to all students.

Baldwin Scholars meet regularly with the program director to reinforce their academic and community connections, and with former Baldwin Scholars who act as informal peer mentors.

Lebrón-Wiggins-Pran Cultural Center

The Lebrón-Wiggins-Pran Cultural Center provides a range of programs and resources to support and promote the success of students of color and international students at Hampshire College.

Completion of the Baldwin Year

At the close of their Baldwin year, scholars compile an academic portfolio of samples of their work that is reviewed by the Baldwin Selection Committee. The quality of these students' portfolios as well as their course evaluations are pivotal in this assessment process.

Summer Internship

Hampshire provides each Baldwin Scholar who has successfully completed the program a paid summer internship to acquaint them with the leadership and career opportunities available to those with a college degree.

“When I researched colleges, I found out about the James Baldwin Scholars program, and how it would give me help both academically and financially.” Karina Fernandez 03F