SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. — A Shepherd University professor is providing high school students in Berkeley County with special training in leadership and social justice through a program of her own creation.
Dr. Chiquita Howard-Bostic, associate professor of sociology, is conducting a series of Help Bridge (HB) Empowerment Project workshops at Spring Mills and Martinsburg High School’s.
Dr. Howard-Bostic created the HB Empowerment Project to offer training in multiculturalism, self-exploration, healthy communication, and leadership.
She says the project is all about helping people make connections.
“I want to help people become healthier communicators in ways that they respect differences and embrace differences in very unique ways,” said Dr. Howard-Bostic.
A group of students from each high school is taking part in a series of four workshops that cover the topics of multiculturalism and cultural integration, self-exploration and reflection, communication and culture, and leadership and social justice.
Dr. Howard-Bostic said that future programs will integrate a career development component to encourage high school students to attend college.