
To understand and address poverty in ways that respect the dignity of every person
Our program features
- students in action, both in the classrooms and in the community;
- academic offerings, including a minor and internship opportunities;
- community engagement opportunities, local and regional;
- and career paths, to take what you learn beyond W&L.
Shepherd in Action
Our students do some amazing things - both inside and outside the classroom.
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Academic Curiosity
Inclusive Community
Real Opportunity for All
Welcome to Shepherd
Career Paths
Although each student’s experience is unique, there are several common pathways through our program. Coordinated interdisciplinary coursework, summer internships, and community-based learning prepare students for careers in the following areas:
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Arts & Storytelling
Claire Hoffert spent the summer of 2016 working with the organization Life Pieces to Masterpieces, which supports African-American male children and young adults from the impoverished neighborhoods of Washington D.C. by encouraging good choices. Claire talks about how Life Pieces’ emphasis on family, and community are having positive impacts on their community and discusses the role of male and female role models for children.
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- The Interaction Between Health and Poverty
- Healthcare and Community in Ecuador
- Greeting Opportunity with Open Arms
- An Active Participant in Solutions
- Health Care Fieldwork in South Africa
- Jake Roberts '17
- Batsheva Honig '17
- John Christopher '09
- Sejal Mistry '17
- Cameron Lee '17
- David Sugarman '99
- Kate LeMasters '15
- Jonathan Wortham '04
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Academics
Students weave together poverty-related courses across campus (economics, education, law, philosophy, politics, sociology, and more) and hands-on service and internship experiences across the county, the country, and the world to supplement their major areas of study. Those pursuing a minor in poverty studies also undertake capstone research projects that connect their concerns about poverty and inequality with their future civic and professional lives.
Community Engagement
For over 20 years, Shepherd has supported student leadership and service opportunities in the local Rockbridge area and beyond. Understanding the causes, consequences, and most promising remedies of poverty requires direct collaboration with community partners. Students participate in and lead several Shepherd service initiatives.
Alumni & Career
There are as many paths through Shepherd as there are students. We prepare participating students-whatever their majors or future plans-for life-long collaboration with communities to address the causes and consequences of poverty. In coursework, community engagement, and one-on-one advising, students discover how they can best promote a world of real opportunity for all through their civic and professional lives. Come discover your path.
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Program History
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