A Better Chance (ABC) records
Scope and Contents
The A Better Chance (ABC) records include the foundational records for the program. The records include correspondence, subject files, photographs, postcards, pamphlets, and brochures, Greylock ABC Board and Committee minutes, correspondence, student member lists, newspaper clippings, and documents regarding the ABC Clothing sale and the ABC Computer Fair, ABC newsletters, financial documents, legal documents, certificates, and media content including digital images and videos. Also included are records documenting the Williams ABC summer program during the 1960s and '70s. The collection dates 1966-2019 with some undated material.
Dates
- Creation: 1966 - 2019
Conditions Governing Access
The A Better Chance (ABC) records is open for research. Researchers are encouraged to contact Special Collections staff prior to a visit.
Conditions Governing Use
In consultation with Special Collections staff, reproductions may be made upon request. Material in this collection is subject to copyright.
Biographical / Historical
A Better Chance (ABC) is a national program that began in 1963. According to its website, the "program has been the preeminent resource for identifying, recruiting and developing leaders among underrepresented young people of color throughout the United States. The oldest and only national organization of its kind, we select, prepare, place and support high-performing middle and high school students of color in some of the most rigorous and prestigious independent day schools, boarding schools and public schools in the country." Greylock A Better Chance, the ABC program located in Williamstown, MA, began in 1968. Williams College and Darrow School co-sponsored a summer ABC educational program as well. In 2015 the Greylock ABC stopped accepting students at Mount Greylock Regional School and sold its building at 58 Hoxsey Street. ABC continues as a national organization.
Extent
9.8 Linear Feet (18 manuscript boxes legal, 2 flat file box)
2 Broadsides
83.289 Megabytes
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
Organized into two series: I. Greylock ABC Program and II. Williams Summer ABC Program.
Physical Location
Library Shelving Facility and L2, drawer 1D.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Lucy Pavalock and Liz Costley, 2021. Fashion Show poster gift of Carolyn Behr, 2021. Gift of Phil F. Smith, 2022. Gift of Nancy J. McIntire, 2023.
- Title
- A Better Chance (ABC) records
- Author
- Laura Zepka, Leah Rosenman, and Emily Zas
- Date
- 2022
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Williams College Archives Repository
Sawyer Library
26 Hopkins Hall Drive
Williamstown, MA 01267
specialcollections@williams.edu