Founded in 1910 Harvard Extension School stands before you. A testament to President A Lawrence Lowell’s vision. He dreamed of extending Harvard’s rigorous education. He wanted to reach those unable to attend traditional schools. Lowell envisioned a ‘popular university’ accessible to all. He wanted to serve the Greater Boston community. Many people in our community had the desire and aptitude for higher education. They lacked the opportunity due to work and other obligations.
Harvard Extension School fulfilled this dream. It offered courses equivalent to traditional Harvard programs. These were for non-traditional and part-time students. Lifelong learners also found a home here. The school’s first dean James Hardy Ropes emphasized this mission. He aimed to provide Bostonians with the same instruction. This was available to undergraduates at Harvard College. He recognized the eagerness and maturity of adult students.
Initially the Extension School partnered with other Boston area institutions. It soon became a Harvard-only institution. The early years saw distinguished professors teaching. Names like Charles Townsend Copeland and John Kenneth Galbraith graced the roster. They traveled extensively throughout New England. They even taught as far as Yonkers New York. Tuition was surprisingly affordable. Lowell’s bequest aimed to keep it accessible. It was limited to ‘two bushels of wheat’ a remarkably low sum.
The school’s commitment to education extended beyond traditional formats. It was a pioneer in distance education. Beginning in 1949 courses were offered on the Lowell Institute’s radio station. Later television broadcasts expanded its reach. Imagine learning psychology or history in your living room. This was the reality for many New Englanders. Harvard Extension School even partnered with the US Navy. It offered courses to sailors on Polaris submarines and surface ships.
Today Harvard Extension School thrives. It offers over 900 courses in various disciplines. These are taught in on-campus online and hybrid formats. It provides undergraduate and graduate degrees. It also offers certificates and a pre-medical program. The school continues to evolve. It embraces new technologies while staying true to its founding principles. It remains a beacon of opportunity for nontraditional students worldwide. It is a place where dreams of education are realized. It’s a place where a Harvard education is truly accessible. Harvard Extension School stands as a testament to the enduring power of education.