Giving
Consider supporting the Kalamazoo community by donating to Humanities for Everybody.
Our history and mission
Humanities for Everybody has been serving the community since 2011 with engaging humanities courses taught by experienced Western Michigan University faculty. Our mission is to bring together passionate and intellectually-curious people from all backgrounds to collectively wrestle with relevant ideas and issues in literature, history, philosophy and contemporary culture.
Who we serve
Our targeted population has always been members of the community who may not have had access to quality education in the past. We accept all adults, regardless of background.
Starting in fall 2018, we will offer our new Bridge Year Program designed to prepare first-generation college students from Kalamazoo Public Schools with an inter-generational, passionate and supportive introduction to college. Students and community participants in the program will attend three seven-week college courses. Kalamazoo Promise-eligible students will earn eight transferable college credits and develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in college. In addition, all participants will receive free books, food, and bus tokens for transportation, as well as significant and accessible instructional support from onsite tutors and mentors. More information on this program is forthcoming.
Fulfilling the Kalamazoo Promise
For many first-generation college students, the Kalamazoo Promise remains unfulfilled. Financial support is not enough if students enter college ill-prepared for the unique social and academic pressures of campus life.
H4E is dedicated to seeing that our students succeed. Instead of spending their first year in large lecture halls with less personalized instruction, our students will benefit from small H4E classes (capped at 18), experienced and dedicated WMU professors, and a relational pedagogy that challenges as it supports. Our philosophy is that first-generation students will be more successful if they’ve already formed close relationships with passionate professors and community members who are sensitive to their social and academic needs. Our students are encouraged to take intellectual risks and to honor the pursuit of knowledge, in ways that build confidence and success.
Contributions
- Course books.
- Classroom materials.
- Classroom refreshments.
- Cultural and/or community events.
- Transportation for students.
- Childcare for students with children.
To make a contribution, please go to our H4E Donation page.
You can also mail your contribution to:
Humanities for Everybody
Center for the Humanities
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008–5490 USA