MARLBORO — For a second consecutive year, Marlboro College is opening its doors to high school students looking to try out select introductory college courses.
Better still, it's free. As part of Marlboro's effort to connect with the local community, motivated high school juniors and seniors, and their home-school equivalents, may apply to take a Marlboro class at no cost.
Courses include beginning ceramics, introduction to black and white photography, introduction to ecological sustainability, and debating the American dream.
Students also can discover a wealth of research techniques for the humanities, or hone their skills in a writing seminar examining “sense of place in a rapidly changing world.” From mathematics to religion, the options are as broad as the interests of students.
Applications for free classes must be received by Wednesday, Jan. 16, for the spring term. Classes begin Wednesday, Jan. 23, and the semester runs through May 15.
According to Ariel Brooks, director of non-degree programs at Marlboro, for many participants, despite years of classroom time, a college class can be “that first spark that really sets their intellectual growth on fire.”
“In addition to experiencing the teaching methods of inspired college faculty, students work alongside academically driven peers with a broad range of experience,” she said.
And that rings true with Britte Cornish, a local teen who studied comparative study of religion this past fall at Marlboro.
“I got to experience the fabulous community of Marlboro College, make friends and be a part of an extraordinary learning experience,” she said.
As part of the program, students are responsible for purchasing books and for paying lab fees. Required books are included in the course listing and can be purchased at the Marlboro College bookstore. Many titles are also available at the Marlboro College library.
For students who already have taken a free course, additional courses may be offered at a discount. These families are asked to contact Ariel Brooks for details and permission.