March 27, 2026

Virgil Sheppard – President and CEO, Hope Partnership for Education

Hope Partnership for Education is a c0-sponsored ministry of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.

At Hope Partnership for Education, service and civic engagement are a joyful part of how students learn and grow. Rooted in our mission to prepare informed, compassionate citizens and courageous leaders, students regularly put these values into practice through projects that encourage them to care for their community, stay informed about important issues, and use their voices.

Earlier this year, students honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a meaningful service project supporting Angels in Motion, a local organization serving individuals experiencing addiction and housing insecurity. Students prepared blessing bags filled with requested essentials such as sandwiches, snacks, water bottles, and chapstick, and added thoughtful cards and decorations to each one. The care and pride students brought to the project reflected the compassion and responsibility that Dr. King’s message calls each of us to practice in our communities.

Students also celebrated the 100th day of school with 100 Letters of Activism, writing postcards to local government officials about issues that matter to them and their community. The project helped students see that civic engagement can begin with small but meaningful actions and that their voices are an important part of community conversations. Building on that momentum, the Hope community is excited to welcome Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta this week for a conversation about leadership, civic responsibility, and the importance of staying engaged.

Looking ahead, students and staff are preparing for their Earth Day service project through the Neighborhood Forest initiative, planting trees and contributing to a greener, healthier neighborhood.