Photo: Bennington College. Retrieved from: www.bennington.edu
Bennington College is dedicated to preparing students for their future both academically and socially. This school focuses on helping students to build strong foundations in order to succeed in their personal and professional lives. The students of Bennington College are encouraged on a daily basis to master their talents and find new ways to utilize them in everyday life – both in and out of the classroom. With such a strong focus on individual discovery, it is no surprise that over 65% of their graduates solidify careers within the first 2 years of graduating.
With a strong background on dance and the performing arts, Bennington College has showcased their mission statement and dedication to their students with impeccable force. Students and parents alike can appreciate the support system provided by the faculty, staff and student body that helps build a strong foundation for students – helping them through a crucial development stage of their lives.
School History
The history of Bennington College is just as rich as their dedication to the students. Being the first college to offer performing arts as part of the traditional liberal arts education, Bennington College has since mastered the combination to provide a well rounded education experience for students. The school was founded in 1932 as al all girl school, however in 1969, it received its charter to become a co-ed facility. The founders of the school were a group of citizens, educators and civic leaders that shared the same vision of higher education and learning for the local students. Their core values are still the basis of education and life experience at Bennington College.
During the 1950s, Bennington College incorporated visual arts into their curriculum, opening the doors o painters, sculptors and abstract artists across the country. As the times changes, so did the student body, including many talented writers by the 1980’s. The diverse student body and talent created a strong free-thinking atmosphere for students to explore the various aspects of liberal arts, as well as divulging into new art forms. One of the main goals of Bennington College throughout the years is to adhere to the founders dream – consistently reinventing the liberal arts education. As times changed, so did the curriculum – incorporating new forms of the arts to provide a stable environment for students of all talents to flourish.
Campus Life
Dedicated to all forms of liberal and performance arts, students can find an array of different activities to get involved in on the Bennington College campus. From career development field work to concerts and workshops – the academic calendar is filled with activities that keep students intellectually stimulated both in and out of the classroom. Shuttle services are available on and off campus grounds to help students navigate safely and conveniently.
When it comes to finding a bite to eat on campus, the possibilities are endless. Both the Dining Hall and Snack Bar Express are available to students with rotating menus and a wide selection of food choices from entrees and sides to soups and salads. Bennington College provides a well-rounded atmosphere for students on campus, offering individual attention based health, community and psychological services.
Bennington College strives to make each student feel at home during their college experience, which is why the residence halls provide a house for students that live on campus. Houses typically have a maximum of 45 students per house and provides a solid foundation for the students to build their independence. All houses are co-ed and are assigned two House Chairs that are responsible for managing the House, as well as represent it in school matters. Although Houses may consist of a blend of the student body, House Chairs are elected members of the student body – volunteer community service undergrads.
Financial Aid
Bennington College provides students with multiple outlets for financial aid options and are available to assist students in any preparation for the financial aspect of their college tuition. Financial Aid Counselors are available to students by scheduled or walk-in appointment for assistance in applying for all possible financial aid options. FAFSA loans are accepted at Bennington College and counselors are available to assist students in filing properly. Many students take advantage of the various grants and scholarships offered and accepted by Bennington College to alleviate the post-graduation stress of repaying student loans!
Helping students pay for college is of the utmost importance at Bennington College, which is why the school offers an extensive work study program that enables students the opportunity to work at a variety of different merchants and local businesses, both on and off campus to alleviate some of the tuition fees and expenses.
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