Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

International Development Fellows

To help support development work in the El Naranjito and Peralta communities, the International Development Fellowship was established in 2017, giving College representatives a lengthier presence in the region. In addition to advancing the College’s projects, a few recent graduates are given the opportunity of a lifetime to initiate original, sustainable development projects of their own, putting liberal arts ideals into practice with days full of complicated work and constant problem solving.

Past Fellows have helped with the purchase and export of green coffee beans, taught English classes and built a playground — the first of its kind in Peralta. They have also helped to launch solar projects with needs assessment, distribution of pico solar systems and market test follow-ups.

Meet the Fellows

Brittney Gross '18, a Spanish and international studies double major and political science minor, loved being exposed to the coffee farming industry in the DR during her first trip there in 2016. Over time, she has realized the critical role the Warrior Coffee Project plays in the advancement of the community, but also how the project helps to increase awareness of global issues on the Lycoming campus. She plans to apply to graduate schools upon her return in 2019.

Adam Miller '16 recently earned a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Administration at West Chester University. Adam first visited the Dominican Republic as a student at Lycoming, and even completed an internship in the DR with the Social Entrepreneur Corps, where he learned about the micro-consignment business model. Miller became a Fellow so he had more time to create a meaningful and sustainable impact on the region.

If you are interested in becoming a fellow or supporting the fellowship program, please contact Caroline Payne, Ph.D., associate political science professor and director of the Interdisciplinary Dominican Republic Program and the Warrior Coffee Project, at 570.321.4277, warriorcoffee@lycoming.edu.