Hampshire College is a private liberal arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts. It is dedicated to preparing students to understand and participate responsibly in a complex world. The 800-acre campus is one of the country’s leading educational centers. The idea to establish Hampshire College was drafted in 1958 by the presidents of Amherst, Mount Holyoke and Smith Colleges and the University of Massachusetts. As an outcome of the effort, the college opened its door for classes in 1970. It was designed to draw upon the resources of the four other colleges, and together they are known as the Five College Consortium. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the college offers full-time programs composed of three divisions: Division I, Division II and Division III. Division I requires the students to complete one course in each of the college's five Schools and three other courses, either on or off campus. In Division II, the students are allowed to explore their chosen field through an individually designed program of courses, independent work,and field studies. The students must complete an in-depth project in their field of choice in Division III. The college organized its curriculum into five interdisciplinary schools: Cognitive Science; Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies; Interdisciplinary Arts; Natural Science; and Social Science. In addition to the regular curriculum, it also supports a number of programs and activities that focus on new, emerging areas of study. Certificate programs, internships, grants, and scholarships are offered. Hampshire College is at the heart of a Cultural Village - a cluster of independent organizations that support the college’s mission. Currently this village includes the National Yiddish Book Center founded by Hampshire College alumnus Aaron Lansky and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, which serves as an international center for children’s literature and art. Inside the campus are the Johnson Library Center and STAR Peer Resource Center, a center where the students can seek academic advice and assistance from older students. The art gallery exhibits feature work by graduating students, fine arts faculty, emerging regional artists, and contemporary artists of national and international stature. As a liberal arts college, Hampshire College helps students develop confidence in their intellect, creativity, and values.