The Blackstone Valley

Humanities Scholars Program

In 2009, the Blackstone Valley Superintendents' Collaborative engaged the Education Foundation in creating a "sister" to the very successful Worcester-based Humanities Scholars Collaborative. Several Blackstone Valley Collaborative members were left out of the Worcester-based program because the program had reached capacity.

The BV Humanities Scholars Program offers highly motivated high school students a unique yearlong program structured around a theme in American history/American culture. During the year, students spend a day each at four different college campuses, beginning the day's visit with a presentation by a panel of professors who address the theme from their different humanities disciplines.

Like its Worcester "sister", the BV Humanities Scholars Program truly reflects a collaborative enterprise. Select Blackstone Valley school districts participate, each with 10-15 10th, 11th, or 12th graders who have been recommended by their teachers. Four colleges are partnered with the program. Bryant University-Rhode Island, Stonehill College-Massachusetts, Providence College-Rhode Island, and Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

In its second year, the program kicked off on October 28, 2011 with a visit to the Massachusetts College of Art & Design in Boston where 30 juniors, seniors and sophomores as well as some facility participated in this inspirational day. Stonehill College is the second visit in November, followed by Rhode Island's Providence College in February and concluding in April at Bryant University, also in Rhode Island.

The Blackstone Valley Humanities Scholars Program offered students a unique learning opportunity. This year the students' study topic is "The American Dream: Different Generations; Different Aspirations". Along with their facility advisors, students participate in lectures and seminars that are presented at the College site by their faculty. Each College professor not only speaks to issues pertaining to the year's theme, but also challenges students to think critically and creatively about it. Overall, the program's design encourages students to be knowledgeable citizens and to engage themselves in shaping the future of the United States.

The Blackstone Valley Educations Foundation manages the program and relationships with Mass College of Art and Design, Stonehill College, Providence College and Bryant University. This year’s study topic is "The American Dream: Different Generations; Different aspirations". At the end of the academic year and after visits to 4 college campuses, students in the program will offer a Presentation Night at which they will "dramatize" what they have learned. The public is welcome to attend this event. The next campus visit is at Stonehill College on Wednesday, December 8th.

Humanities Scholars Calendar

• October 19, 2011 Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, MA
• November 16, 2011 Stonehill College, Easton, MA
• February 8, 2012 Providence College, Providence, RI
• April 12, 2012 Bryant University, North Smithfield, RI