Providence Clemente Veterans’ Initiative: Accepting Applications

The Providence Clemente Veterans' Initiative (PCVI) [pvdvets.org], now entering its 6th year, is accepting applications for our 2023-2024 program, which will begin September 18.  We meet on Zoom on Monday and Thursday evenings, 6pm to 8pm.

The PCVI is a free humanities program that is open to all Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut veterans, regardless of age, deployment, disability, rank, education and discharge status.  The goal is to provide a meaningful intellectual community to veterans who are trying to process their thoughts and experiences, and grappling with readjustment to civilian life.  

Those who participate are eligible to earn 6 college credits.  Books and school supplies are free, and computer/internet assistance is available.  Earlier this year, we were one of a very small number of recipients of a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities' "Dialogues on the Experience of War" program.

The course enrolls 12-15 veteran-scholars, and is taught by faculty from UMass-Dartmouth, University of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island School of Design.  In the fall we explore the ancient Greeks and the American Civil War through history, literature, philosophy, art history, theater, and creative writing.  In the spring, we discuss the World Wars, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.  

In addition to our online classes, we meet up for visits to museums, monuments, historical societies, and plays.  All are free.  

To apply online, click  https://pvdvets.org/enroll/

If you have any questions, or if you would like a paper application mailed to you, please email Dr. Mark Santow, PCVI Academic Director, at PVDClementeVets@gmail.com 

The PCVI is supported by our partners:  Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, the RI Council for the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Clemente Course in the Humanities,Trinity Repertory Company, the RI Department of Veterans Affairs.