A liberal arts college founded in 1860 in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. Today, Bard College is one of the country’s most respected institutions of higher learning, known for its commitment to the liberal arts and to democratizing access to them. Bard seeks to inspire curiosity, a love of learning, and a commitment to the link between higher education and civic participation. Its small-group seminars encourage thoughtful conversation in an inclusive environment.

A local, top-quality, accredited college where students earn an Associate in Arts degree from Bard College by attending classes at the Countee Cullen branch of the New York Public Library. The Microcollege for Just Community Leadership is a collaboration between the Bard Prison Initiative, College & Community Fellowship, and JustLeadershipUSA, and culminates years of cooperation between these three organizations, insisting that education and community-based advocacy always be at the core of criminal justice reform. The Microcollege for Just Community Leadership demonstrates a way to think innovatively about education and power in America, while addressing the harms of mass incarceration and structural racism directly.

There is no cost to students. Tuition and books are fully covered by grants and scholarships. Unlike student loans, grants and scholarships do not have to be paid back.

Everything college students study at liberal arts institutions the world over: literature, philosophy, anthropology, art, science, writing, mathematics, sociology, economics, history, and more. At the Bard Microcollege for Just Community Leadership, advocacy and leadership are at the heart of the curriculum. While students take classes across the same breadth of disciplines as all Bard College students, specific course topics are designed around students’ interests in social justice and community-building.

Small seminars taught by experienced professors who are invested in student learning and potential — no big lectures, no teaching assistants. Standards and expectations are high. Bard Microcolleges are large in ambition but small in terms of the number of students they serve at any one time. Students receive individual attention that keeps them on track toward their degree.

People from justice-impacted communities and those whose educations may have been derailed by incarceration, financial challenges, work, family responsibilities, or life in general. Students come from all over New York City. Age doesn’t matter. Those whose household finances qualify them for Pell and TAP Grants will be given priority. The Bard Microcollege for Just Community Leadership only enrolls students who do not already hold an associate degree or higher from another institution, whether from the U.S. or abroad. Microcollege students may be co-enrolled with College & Community Fellowship or JustLeadershipUSA programs, or they may have no prior relationship with CCF or JLUSA.

A high-school diploma or its equivalent (GED/HSE/TASC). Curiosity, ambition, a willingness to work hard, and an open mind. No standardized tests are required. There is no application fee.

Classes are offered in the fall semester from September to December and in the spring semester from January to May. New students will begin their first year with a two-week workshop in mid-August. Classes are scheduled between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, at the Countee Cullen Branch of the New York Public Library.

At the height of the pandemic, classes at the Bard Microcolleges ran remotely, but you should be prepared for the current semester to be in person, though some hybrid or virtual classes may end up being necessary. The Microcollege for Just Community Leadership is an in-person college; online classes are only offered as a last resort.

Bard Microcollege students enroll full-time. The typical full-time course load is 3 courses per semester, 4 credits per course = 12 credits per semester. Some variation is possible.

Yes, if you can schedule your work hours around your college work and other responsibilities. A full-time, three-course, 12-credit course load requires at least 8 hours of in-class time per week, plus 16-24 hours of work outside of class. Students who have added a job to their college and household responsibilities have become expert time managers.

Yes, Bard will accept up to 30 credits for courses taken at another institution as long as they’re similar to those offered at Bard. You must provide proof that you completed the course and earned a grade of C or better. Bard’s registrar has to review and approve each transfer-credit request.

Yes. If you’re accepted, Bard counselors may be able to work with you to rehabilitate loans in default and help you qualify again for federal and state financial aid—this is a goal but not a guarantee.

Continue on for a bachelor’s degree, and from there a graduate degree. Qualify for a job that requires critical thinking and communication skills. Gain a broader, deeper perspective on our world, culture, history, and political environment. Redefine what success can mean.

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Or reach out to microcollege@bard.edu with any questions.