Why PSIM?
Poverty Studies students hail from every college and school at Notre Dame and major in many different disciplines. Few universities or colleges offer a Poverty Studies minor, but Notre Dame graduates about 40 Poverty Studies students each year.
Each Poverty Studies student has a unique story about the experiences that brought them to this minor and what motivates them to become someone who addresses poverty in whatever they decide to do in their professional and personal life. Here are some of the stories from current students and alumni.
“I seek to gain awareness and take action against the pervasive inequities in modern society.” – Elizabeth Heindenreich ’21
“I chose to minor in Poverty Studies because I feel as though I cannot become a physician who heals patients without also healing the system that should be designed to serve them.” – Aidan Crowley ’21
“The classes are the most real ones I have had the chance to take at Notre Dame. I want to be able to make a difference in the world and these classes let me learn more to be able to do so.” – Alaina Perila ’23
Poverty Studies Alumni
Poverty Studies alumni take their knowledge and experiences into a variety of fields: nonprofits, law, education, medicine, and more. Check out their stories below to learn how the minor impact their personal and professional lives beyond Notre Dame.