Sharpe Community Scholars Program
Mission Statement
The Sharpe Community Scholars Program strives to support the development of select first-year students through the integration of academic studies, research and community engagement.*
One of the most exciting aspects of the Sharpe Community Scholars Program is that it gives students an opportunity to take concepts and ideas from the classroom and apply them in real world situations. By relating theory and practice, Sharpe enriches the William and Mary undergraduate experience. Check out what Sharpe Community Scholars say they gained during the 2008-09 school year.
Leadership Development & Mentorship
Through the process of creating and implementing team-based service projects, first-year students learn how to catalyze, organize, and lead initiatives on campus and in the community. Sharpe Scholars have opportunities to put their newly acquired skills to use, as they contribute in significant ways to community-wide initiatives. Scholars receive extensive support from Sharpe fellows, William and Mary professors, and community practitioners who are committed to developing student leaders prepared to take-on new challenges and to promote positive social change.
Please note that Sharpe Scholars spend an average of four hours each week on their service projects.
Living-Learning
Sharpe Scholars are a highly diverse group of students who live in Spotswood Hall, which is designated especially for them. Spotswood Hall is the first building within the larger all-freshman Botetourt Complex. It is located within easy walking distance of the William and Mary Commons and Rec Center, and includes a Sharpe seminar room with computers.
Summer Projects
All Sharpe freshmen may apply for Sharpe Community Service-Learning grants of up to $2,000 to support self-designed summer projects. These competitive grants are restricted to Sharpe Scholars and may be used in the U.S. or abroad. For a list of sample projects please go to Summer Grants.
*Our mission statement was developed in February 2009 by a group of Sharpe students, as part of their independent study class "Engagement Communications and Outreach."
