While the Renaissance Scholars program has given a substantial boost to Marlboro’s enrollment (Giving in Action, Summer 2016), attracting diverse students from 28 states, the most exciting outcome is the increase in community engagement. Renaissance Scholars have been active participants in local service projects like painting the stands at the Little League field in Brattleboro and cleaning up a stretch of the Connecticut River. On campus they have been vocal contributors to Town Meeting and committees, from the Farm Committee to the Community Service Committee.
“I chose to come to Marlboro because I wanted an adventurous and unique college experience,” said Grace Hamilton, a freshman from Virginia who has found the Marlboro community very welcoming. She has already had meaningful discussions about class content with all of her professors, often over lunch. “I wanted the opportunity to be an individual within a community, and to have my voice heard.”
“I really liked the small, self-driven aspect of Marlboro,” said Kyle Jenson, a graduate of a small Catholic high school in Appalachian Kentucky. He found his way to Marlboro through a stroke of luck, when his aunt heard the NPR story about the college’s Renaissance Scholars program. A pre-med student, Kyle says he wouldn’t be at Marlboro without the program.
Many of the Renaissance Scholars are also enrolled in the new class, Common Ground: Living and Working in a Community. Together they are designing and implementing projects to enhance the community, along with cultivating skills of conflict resolution, creative problem solving, leadership development, and mindfulness.
With these very positive developments in mind, the trustees have elected to continue the Renaissance Scholars program for another year, driving even more exceptional, community-minded students in Marlboro’s direction. If you know a prospective college student who would enrich our learning committee, please send them our way.
The Endeavor Foundation has generously awarded Marlboro College with a two-year, $150,000 challenge grant for the Renaissance Scholars program. All gifts to this critical financial aid program will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of donors’ charitable contributions. Stay tuned for more information with our spring appeal.
