As a member of the Choate's Capstone Program, author Ryan M. Shepard quickly became aware of the many issues affecting students of color in the United States school system. Motivated by his personal experience, Shepard set out to resolve two pressing questions: which issues were most prevalent for students of color, and how can students and school administrators resolve these issues going forward?
To answer them, Shepard surveyed those most affected: his peers. The Jump represents several years worth of survey responses gathered from a participant pool of students across multiple independent schools.
The result is a candid, revealing look at the challenges faced by students of color that both students and administrators alike will find enlightening. More importantly, Shepard and his peers offer suggestions to resolve issues in order to work toward a harmonious, productive environment for all students.
An accessible and unbiased assessment, The Jump is an invaluable read for students, instructors, and administrators of all backgrounds. Difficult though the issues are, solutions are available-solutions which, once implemented, can positively impact entire campuses.
About the Author: Ryan M. Shepard resides in New Jersey. He is a member of the Choate Rosemary Hall Class of 2014 and an expected graduate of the American University Class of 2018.
Shepard currently serves as the event director of the American University Black Student Alliance. He was a Choate prefect in 2014 and acted as the Choate Afro Latino Student Alliance President and PR Officer.
A founding member of the Choate Diversity Association and a board member of the Choate Martin Luther King Jr. Day Program, Shepard was awarded the Princeton Prize in Relations in 2014.
