James Baldwin Scholars Program
The James Baldwin Scholars Program provides scholarships to applicants who show academic promise, exhibit strong leadership within their communities, and display a commitment to social justice and equity. The program seeks students from communities historically underrepresented in higher education and who are typically first-generation college students.
The Program’s foundation is established for students in their first year — the Baldwin Year.Students have access to program-specific academic counseling, personal mentoring, and community support; a full scholarship; a guaranteed place in two writing courses (one each semester); and skill support from the Writing Program faculty for their efforts in all courses.
“I felt like it was impossible to fail, that I was supported on all sides and that there were people who really cared about my education.”— Chris McMillan 03F
Transitional Baldwin Year Requirements:
- Attend the James Baldwin Scholars and Hampshire College Orientations
- Live on campus their first year
- Complete three 100-level Hampshire courses each semester during the first-year transitional program. The following course must be among six completed: Introduction to Writing (Fall semester)
- Work 5–7 hours per week to earn spending money
- Meet once a week with the director of James Baldwin Scholars Program in a group meeting
- Check in regularly with the director of the James Baldwin Scholars Program through individual meetings
- Complete the James Baldwin Year portfolio
- Students are ineligible to participate on varsity athletic teams their first year The director of the James Baldwin Scholars Program, in consultation with the Baldwin Selection Committee, determines whether students will continue in the program after their first year based on meeting the above outlined requirements.
FINANCIAL AID
Baldwin Scholars must be United States citizens or permanent residents and are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually. Financial aid will be awarded based on need and will meet 100% of full-demonstrated need for tuition, room, board (meals), and books. The financial aid offer provided to Baldwin Scholars is a combination of federal, state, and institutional grants and work study. Grant aid will be offered in place of federal loans. However, students may still use federal student loans if they have a need for additional financial assistance.
Financial aid to Baldwin Scholars at Hampshire is guaranteed for up to six years, but most students will graduate in four years. All students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue to be eligible for financial aid.
The James Baldwin Scholars Admission Committee seeks applicants who:
- Possess a love of ideas
- Participate in an academic enhancement program or Community-Based Learning project
- Demonstrate an upward trend in academic performance
- Display a strong commitment to social justice and combating inequity
- Show a pattern of hard work in courses that pose a challenge
The Baldwin Scholarships have a limited number of spots. Some applicants who could no doubt benefit from the academic and financial support of the program also qualify for regular admission and will be considered accordingly by the Admission Office.
For more information, contact James Baldwin Scholars Program Director Karina Fernández: 413.559.5301 or kafCS@hampshire.edu