Clemente Course
Winter 2026 Clemente Course
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 embrace new possibilities for 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:
Weaving Our Story: A History of Revolutions in the United States.
The word “revolution” echoes through pop culture, political discourse, news media and our everyday conversations. Are we experiencing an era of social, political, and technological revolution? How can we interpret the rapidly changing landscape of our American experience? With curiosity and respectful inquiry, this course will examine the unfolding American story, beginning with Indigenous culture and history, moving into the 1776 revolution, and continuing through the pivotal social movements of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. We will explore the people and ideas that have woven the threads of our social fabric, shaping who Americans have been, who we are now, and who we will become. Through artwork, essay writing, and dynamic class discussion, students and faculty will study history, civics, and social transformation, forming a supportive and inclusive community of learners.
Dates: Every Monday and Wednesday evening
Times: 5:30pm - 8pm
Location: Blue Heron Middle School, room 505
3939 San Juan Ave, Port Townsend, WA 98368
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!
