Community Corner: Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty Funds Summer Interns for Tharros Place and other Savannah Nonprofits

July 10, 2026 - 19:01

SAVANNAH, GA - This summer, four local nonprofits in Savannah will get a boost from college interns funded through the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty. Among the organizations selected is Tharros Place, a center that supports survivors of human trafficking.

The Shepherd Consortium places students from member colleges into summer internships focused on fighting poverty and its related challenges. Interns work full-time for eight to ten weeks, earning a living stipend provided by the program. For Tharros Place, the extra hands mean more capacity to serve clients directly.

Other Savannah nonprofits benefiting this year include groups focused on housing stability, youth development, and food access. The interns bring fresh energy and academic knowledge, while gaining real-world experience in social services.

Tharros Place executive director noted that the partnership allows the organization to take on projects that often get pushed aside due to limited staff. Past interns have helped with case management, outreach, and program evaluation.

The Shepherd Consortium was founded in 2006 and now includes over 20 colleges and universities. Its mission is to connect students with communities to address systemic poverty. For Savannah, the summer interns represent a small but meaningful investment in local nonprofit capacity.