Veterans Journal: Humanities program open to all veterans

The Providence Clemente Veterans’ Initiative is currently accepting applications for its second year, which will begin Sept. 26 in downtown Providence. The PCVI is a free humanities program that is open to all Rhode Island veterans, regardless of discharge status, and the goal is to provide a meaningful intellectual community to veterans who are struggling to adapt to civilian life as well as a bridge to college without using VA benefits. It is funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The course enrolls 15 to 20 veteran-scholars and is taught by faculty from UMass-Dartmouth, the University of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island School of Design. Students will explore the ancient Greek wars, the American Civil War, the Vietnam War and the post-9/11 conflicts through history, literature, philosophy, art history and creative writing. Books and school supplies are free, and child care and transportation are also available for free for those who need it. Up to six college credits will be available for those who want them.

Classes are held at Trinity Repertory Company in downtown Providence on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. Email questions to Dr. Mark Santow, academic director, at PVDClementeVets@gmail.com. To apply online, go to https://clementecourse.org/about-us/veterans/providence-clemente.