What are the benefits of being named a Sharpe Community Scholar?

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.

Service-Learning

Fall term

During the first semester, Sharpe Scholars enroll in two service-learning courses:

All students enroll in a special one-credit short course: College and Community, which meets once a week on Wednesday evenings. This course brings together Scholars, the upperclassmen who serve as their mentors (Sharpe fellows) and faculty to engage in conversations about concepts that are central to the program: community, democracy, social responsibility, justice and pluralism. Through films, case studies, small group activities and guest speakers, students become acquainted with Williamsburg and develop an understanding of the process of community building, leadership and social change. These larger group discussions are alternated with small group meetings with fellows to discuss and plan service projects.

In addition, Sharpe students are given the opportunity to select one of six courses taught by some of the College's top faculty. These include freshman seminars in Government, Hispanic Studies, Education and Interdisciplinary Studies as well as introductory courses in Economics and Environmental Science and Policy. Sharpe Scholars rank their interest in each of these courses, which will then become the basis for their year-long service-learning projects.

Spring Term

Students are again enrolled in the one-credit College and Community course, and continue to meet on a regular basis in small groups with members of the faculty and their mentors. However, the second half of this year-long course is tailored specifically to the project and the community-wide concerns that are the focus of each individual group. Both the assigned fellow and the faculty professor lead this weekly meeting.

A few examples...

Scholars in an environmental science and policy course will work on a project to restore and protect local watersheds. Scholars in a freshman seminar that focuses on literacy and social change will develop a new family literacy program and volunteer at an adult literacy program. Scholars who enroll in a microeconomics course will volunteer and conduct community-based research on behalf of local agencies that provide services such as food and housing to those who are hungry or in need of shelter. For a list of current projects please go to: http://www.wm.edu/sharpe/students/projsum02-03.php

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 RecCenter, and includes a Sharpe seminar room with computers.

Summer Projects

All Sharpe freshmen may apply for Sharpe Community Service-Learning grants of up to $2000 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: http://www.wm.edu/sharpe/grants.php

Optional Programs

Sharpe Scholars are invited to take part in a series of informal lunchtime discussions and evening study-breaks held throughout the academic year. These events provide students with a chance to learn about on and off-campus programs and to hear from representatives of the College and the community.

Sharpe Scholars also have opportunities to organize and participate in weekend activities.