Clemente Course
CLEMENTE FILM FUNDRAISER
In partnership with Key City Public Theater
DEC 3rd | WED | 7pm
Join us for an evening of community and connection as we screen A Reckoning in Boston, followed by a meaningful conversation lead by Clemente graduates about how access to higher education and lifelong learning fuels personal growth and civic engagement.
Together we’ll explore what it means to keep learning, not just through school, but through the act of being human.
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Multiple ticket options available, including packages with drinks and our limited-edition “book bags.”
A white filmmaker comes into a Black community looking for transformation in the lives of low-income adults enrolled in a Clemente Course in the Humanities. As he spends more time with the students, he's awakened to the violence, racism, and gentrification that threatens their very place in the city.
2025 Clemente Graduation
Because Education Matters
Are you interested in sharing your ideas and becoming more connected to your community?
Do you want to learn more about art, philosophy, and literature?
Would you like to better understand history and take control of your future?
...then Clemente is the right place for you!
What qualifications do you need to apply?
Curiosity, time, and basic reading and writing skills.
The Clemente Course at OWL360 (Clemente) offers a transformative, college-level educational experience for those facing economic hardship and adverse circumstances. Clemente empowers students to further their education and careers, become effective advocates for themselves and their families, and engage actively in the cultural and civic lives of their communities.
There is no charge to students. All costs for books and tuition are covered and we offer childcare and transportation vouchers for those who need them. Participants who complete the course demonstrating college-level work can earn transferable college credit, but you are welcome to participate even if you aren’t interested in earning college credit.
High school diplomas or GEDs are not required and your current academic standing—for example, if you are currently enrolled in another training or education program or had to drop out of school because of life circumstances—has no impact on your ability to participate.
2026 Clemente Course Information
Theme and Course Content:
What are the rituals that have the most meaning in your life? Where do these ritual traditions come from? We will explore the idea and experience of ritual as we study Literature, Visual Art, Theater Arts and History. Students will learn to express ideas through art making, essay writing, collaborative theater and dynamic class discussion.
Dates: Every Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from Feb. 3 - April 9th
Times: 5:30pm - 8pm
Location: The Jefferson Community Foundation Resource Room
2409-A Jefferson St. Port Townsend, WA
Accessible Education: There is no tuition fee! We provide all books, materials and a meal at every class. Transportation and childcare reimbursement available to those who need it.
Credits: Earn 3 transferable credits in this 10 week course.
Sign up here for the 2026 class!
Questions? Email Dana Weir:
danaweir@owl360.org
~ Clemente Course graduates share ~
“Clemente helped me find myself.
It also reminded me how healing education is.”
"This was an unforgettable experience!"
"Having childcare made it possible for me and my partner to attend together. That made a huge difference"
CLEMENTE VALUES
ACCESS
To remove significant obstacles that impede access to higher education
by providing tuition, books, childcare and transportation
at no cost to qualified students.
EDUCATION
To create a bridge to higher education
by developing the skills, confidence and motivation necessary to succeed in that context.
PERSONAL ENRICHMENT
To bring the clarity and beauty of the humanities to people
who have historically been deprived of these riches through economic, social, or political forces.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
To strengthen habits of reflection and critical thinking so that students are
better able to control the direction of their lives and engage effectively in action to improve their communities.
Clemente Advisory Committee
Dana Weir, Lela Hilton, John Pierce, Taylor Corrigan, Amanda Thieroff, Heather McRae-Woolf, Zhaleh Almaee
With deepest thanks to our academic partners!
