Hampshire College

The James Baldwin Scholars Program provides scholarships to talented students from underserved communities who would benefit from a transition year before college in which to improve general academic skills and prepare for the rigor of college studies.

Baldwin Scholars receive a scholarship that fully meets the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, and meals.

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History of the Program
The James Baldwin Scholars Program at Hampshire College was founded in 1992 to provide a one-year transition program to ambitious African-American students who can benefit from an academic year to develop and improve the skills necessary for success in college.

The Baldwin Program, named after preeminent African-American writer and scholar James Baldwin, who taught at Hampshire, has been expanded to serve African-American and other students who are talented and ambitious but underprepared for college because of the lack of resources in their community and school.

The Baldwin Year
During the Baldwin year, scholars participate fully in the college's academic program, residential community, and social life. Particular attention is given to developing written, interpretive, and quantitative skills, essential to carrying out rigorous coursework, independent study, and research at Hampshire.

Successful completion of the transition year prepares students to apply for acceptance to Hampshire College with coursework already completed credited toward Hampshire's academic requirements. Students may also choose to apply to other selective liberal arts colleges.

For more information on the James Baldwin Scholars Program, call Madelaine Marquez, Director, Baldwin Scholars Program at 413.559.5301 or the Hampshire College Admissions Office at 877.937.4267.