History of the Baldwin Program

Founded in 1992, the James Baldwin Scholars Program originally started as an initiative based out of Springfield, Massachusetts, aimed at supporting young African-American men in accessing higher education.

Now, the program provides opportunities to a small group of students from challenging economic and educational backgrounds. Each student receives a year of access to counseling, mentoring, and community support in their first year—called "The Baldwin Year."

Named after the preeminent African-American writer, activist, and social critic James Baldwin, who taught at Hampshire College, the program supports students who have great potential but were denied the opportunity to become top educational achievers. Through specifically designed Hampshire coursework, tutorials, intensive mentoring, and financial support, students are able to explore their interests, develop skills, and prepare for success in college and beyond.

For more information on the James Baldwin Scholars Program, call Lito Vázquez in the Hampshire College admissions office at 413.559.6781.

“The questions which one asks oneself begin, at last, to illuminate the world.”James Baldwin