The Tucker Center for Spiritual and Ethical Life launched a community-wide interfaith education program this winter, marking the first time the College has formally extended its religious programming beyond campus boundaries to include Upper Valley residents.
The six-week course, titled “Understanding Faith Traditions: A Community Dialogue,” will accommodate 120 participants—60 from Dartmouth and 60 from the broader Upper Valley region. Registration data shows 78% of available spots filled within the first week, indicating strong demand for interfaith programming in the region.
The initiative represents a strategic expansion of the Tucker Center’s programming model, which historically focused on serving Dartmouth’s student body of approximately 6,800 undergraduates and graduate students. By opening enrollment to community members, the program addresses documented gaps in interfaith education across rural New Hampshire, where 67% of residents identify as Christian according to recent Pew Research Center data.
“This course creates a structured environment for meaningful dialogue between different faith traditions while building bridges between the College and our neighboring communities,” said Rev. Nancy Vogele, Tucker Center executive director. The program format includes weekly 90-minute sessions covering Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and secular ethical frameworks.
Participation costs reflect the program’s community focus: Dartmouth students and employees attend free, while community members pay $75 per person or $120 per household. These rates fall below typical continuing education pricing at peer institutions, where similar programs average $150-200 per participant.
The business case for community engagement extends beyond immediate program revenue. Dartmouth’s 2024 economic impact study found the College contributes $1.2 billion annually to New Hampshire’s economy, with community programming serving as a key component of town-gown relations. Enhanced community connections often correlate with increased local support for College initiatives and improved regional recruitment.
Enrollment demographics reveal interesting patterns: 43% of community participants identify as religiously unaffiliated, compared to 38% of Dartmouth participants. This distribution suggests the program attracts residents seeking religious education outside traditional congregational settings, potentially representing an underserved market segment.
Local business leaders have noted increased interest in diversity and inclusion programming across Upper Valley organizations. The course’s interfaith focus aligns with broader workforce development trends, as companies increasingly value cultural competency skills among employees.
The Tucker Center structured the program around facilitated small-group discussions rather than traditional lecture formats. Each session includes participants from multiple faith backgrounds, encouraging direct dialogue rather than parallel presentations. This methodology reflects research showing interactive formats produce stronger learning outcomes and community building compared to information-only approaches.
Registration data indicates strong representation from Lebanon, Norwich, White River Junction, and Hanover, suggesting the program reaches beyond Dartmouth’s immediate geographic footprint. The 20-mile radius captures approximately 45,000 residents, representing a significant potential audience for future programming expansions.
Program timing leverages winter months when community activity typically decreases, positioning the Tucker Center to fill seasonal programming gaps. This scheduling strategy could establish the Center as a year-round community resource rather than primarily serving academic calendar needs.
The initiative builds on successful campus interfaith programs that have shown measurable impacts on student engagement and retention. Dartmouth students participating in interfaith programming demonstrate 12% higher four-year graduation rates compared to non-participants, according to internal College data.
Community partnerships extend beyond individual participation to include local religious organizations. The program features guest speakers from Upper Valley congregations, creating networking opportunities and potential collaboration frameworks for future initiatives.
Funding for the community program combines Tucker Center operational budgets with grants from regional foundations focused on community engagement. This mixed funding model reduces financial risk while demonstrating commitment to sustainable programming.
The course’s success metrics include participant retention rates, post-program community engagement, and requests for additional programming. Early indicators suggest strong completion rates, with only 3% of registered participants withdrawing after the first session.
Looking ahead, the Tucker Center plans to evaluate expansion opportunities based on program outcomes. Potential developments include advanced courses, youth programming, and partnership initiatives with Upper Valley employers seeking diversity training.
This community-focused approach reflects broader trends in higher education, where colleges increasingly serve as regional anchor institutions providing educational and cultural resources beyond traditional student populations. For Dartmouth, the interfaith program represents both community service and strategic investment in long-term regional relationships.
The program concludes in March, with participant feedback informing future community programming decisions. Results will likely influence similar initiatives across campus and potentially serve as a model for other Ivy League institutions seeking enhanced community engagement.
