Shepherd Program
Shepherd Program
The Shepherd Program for the Interdisciplinary Study of Poverty and Human Capability incorporates a spirit of engagement and service into students’ extra-curricular and academic lives. Shepherd students learn how to understand and address the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality in ways that respect the dignity of every person, through community engagement and academic offerings, including a minor and internship opportunities.
Students weave poverty-related courses across disciplines (economics, education, law, philosophy, politics, sociology, and more) with hands-on service and internship experiences to supplement their major areas of study. Those pursuing a minor in poverty studies undertake capstone research projects that connect their concerns about poverty and inequality with their future civic and professional lives.
For over 25 years, The Shepherd Program has supported student leadership and service opportunities in the local Rockbridge area and beyond. Understanding the causes and consequences of poverty requires direct collaboration with community partners.
Shepherd in the News
Students and graduates of the Shepherd Program are involved all over campus and all over the world.
Marcos Perez Cited for his Book ‘¿Qué tienen los piqueteros en la cabeza?’
The associate professor of sociology received an honorable mention citation for the Premio Iberoamericano Book Award.
Marisa Charley and the W&L Bonner Program Featured in Article Posted on Higher Ed Jobs
The story focuses on the Bonner Program’s collaborative work with the Street Medicine Institute.
Akinkugbe’s goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist has been reinforced by her research lab work.
Campus Kitchen Continues Just Food Series with Local Partners
The March 20 webinar will focus on the challenges in addressing childhood obesity.
Annual Souper Bowl Raises Funds for W&L’s Backpack Program
This year’s event raised more than $11,000 to support the Campus Kitchen’s hunger-fighting project.
W&L’s Campus Kitchen Hosts 13th Annual Souper Bowl
All proceeds from the Feb. 2 event will support the Campus Kitchen at W&L’s Backpack Program.
Campus Kitchen Continues 2024-25 Just Food Series
The Jan. 27 webinar will focus on food relief efforts in Rockbridge County and Western Virginia.
Campus Kitchen at W&L Hosts Annual Turkeypalooza
The community is encouraged to participate and donate to support Campus Kitchen’s programming, which kicks off Nov. 10.
Adhip Adhikari ’27 spent much of his summer creating a library at a secondary school near his family’s home in Katmandu, Nepal.
Campus Kitchen Announces 2024-25 Just Food Series
The annual event series examines the ways in which food systems interact with issues of social justice.
W&L students share their experiences getting to know the larger Lexington and Rockbridge community during the summer months.
Cultivating a Community of Care
Through the Davis Projects for Peace Grant and a Fulbright ETA, Allie Stankewich ’23 is building relationships with the communities she serves in East Africa.