Fostering Connections Through Project Fellowship
At a recent s’mores night at Hersheypark Camping Resort, laughter echoed through the trees as Milton Hershey School students roasted marshmallows, splashed in the stream and reunited with familiar faces from Hershey Entities. It was more than just a fun evening; it was a reflection of the deep connections formed through Project Fellowship, a unique program that pairs groups of employees from MHS, The Hershey Company, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Penn State Health, The M.S. Hershey Foundation and Hershey Trust Company with student homes to create lasting memories and meaningful relationships.
Project Fellowship is a longstanding initiative that reflects our commitment to building strong and supportive communities around our students. Through this program, staff from our Hershey community partners are thoughtfully paired with student homes from all scholastic divisions to connect at organized events such as movie nights and the annual s’mores night, as well as on their own time to enjoy seasonal activities or even simply sharing a meal.
These gatherings not only provide MHS students with enrichment outside of the classroom, but they also help them form consistent, healthy relationships with caring adults that have been known to last for years as students advance through school.
“Project Fellowship is rooted in community and strengthens both students and employees’ connection to the school,” said Andrew Clark, MHS Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel. “This impact is meaningful because it is built upon the tenets of Mr. Hershey’s vision as outlined within the Deed of Trust.”
Mr. and Mrs. Hershey envisioned a home and school where children would be nurtured not only in a loving environment, but one that also prepared them to lead successful lives after graduation. They outlined a vision where students would receive a Career-Focused Education rooted in real-world skills and a strong moral foundation.
Particularly for Senior Division students, participating in Project Fellowship provides valuable insight into a variety of career paths. Connecting with professionals can help students obtain a stronger understanding of the field and give them the ability to ask questions and visualize their goals more clearly.
At its heart, Project Fellowship is about connection. Having a supportive, consistent adult support system is vital in the development of every child. Though student homes provide a family-style support system, Project Fellowship only strengthens the support system that fosters trust, confidence and reinforces our Sacred Values—Mutual Respect, Commitment to Mission, Integrity and Positive Spirit. Project Fellowship also supports the school’s focus on character and leadership development through initiatives like The Compass Project. While participation is voluntary, the commitment from the Hershey employees is remarkable. Some even maintain long-distance partnerships with their students through video calls, letters and photo exchanges.
Since its inception, Project Fellowship has grown to include more than 1,500 Hershey community partner staff members. These participants show up year after year, after work and on weekends because they believe in the mission of MHS and the power of showing up. Their commitment helps extend the legacy of Milton and Catherine Hershey and continues to meaningfully shape the lives of students.