Learn About Shepherds Student Mentoring Program

History

Shepherds co-founder Barnet Phillips IV — Shepherds co-founder Barnet Phillips

Shepherds was co-founded in Fairfield County, Connecticut in 1998 by Barnet Phillips, a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, and Brendan Fisk, a former FBI Special Agent and Connecticut businessman. It was modeled on the successful mentoring program Student Sponsor Partners in New York City.

Shepherds’ pilot school, Kolbe Cathedral Preparatory School in Bridgeport, had five students. Today, Kolbe Cathedral remains a core Shepherds school partner and provides educational opportunities to young men and women in the Bridgeport area.

Shepherds expanded its reach in 2000 by partnering with Notre Dame High School to support qualified male students from the West Haven and New Haven communities. In 2024, Lauralton Hall joined the partnership network, extending opportunities to young women in Milford and beyond. Most recently, in 2025, Shepherds welcomed Fairfield Prep as the newest addition to its growing cohort of partner schools.

Over our history, several other private schools in Fairfield and New Haven counties also participated as Shepherds school partners.

Shepherds Partner Schools

Programs

As part of its mission to close the educational opportunity gap and prepare students for college and life beyond high school, Shepherds provides a wide range of college readiness and life skills workshops, college prep services, college tours, and career days.

Shepherds’ students also participate in community service projects and social and cultural events throughout the year.