URI partners with Clemente Veterans Initiative to offer veterans unique access to higher education

With significant numbers of veterans completing military service and deployments overseas and returning to civilian life in the U.S., comes the challenge of providing the tools they may need to successfully make that transition.

The University of Rhode Island’s College of Arts and Sciences is a partner on a recently awarded grant to the Clemente Program in the Humanities to support a Providence-based model of the national Clemente Veterans Initiative, a program established to empower the nation’s veterans to further their education and careers, become effective advocates for themselves and their families, and to successfully engage in their communities. Other partners in the project include the Trinity Repertory Company and Operation Stand Down RI. Clemente courses are currently running in 30 U.S. cities.

Funded, for two years, with a $99,333 grant by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Providence Clemente Veterans Initiative will accept applications from eligible veterans and provide coursework in the humanities free of charge. American history, literature, philosophy, art history, critical thinking and writing classes are offered to veterans meeting certain income guidelines. Up to 20 students will be enrolled in each of the spring and fall semesters. College credit is earned upon successfully completing classes, and child care will also be provided at no cost.