Kyle Dechant

Originally from Franklin, Pennsylvania, Kyle graduated summa cum laude from Wheaton College in 2009 with a degree in international relations and a certificate in human needs and global resources.  He worked as a teaching and research assistant for the political science department, volunteered as an ESL tutor for refugees, and interned for six months with a local Malian development organization where he conducted research on community capacity building in rural villages.  After graduating, Kyle volunteered at a café and training center in northern Uganda.

Field placement: Philadelphia GROW Project/Witnesses to Hunger

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Kyle researched financial and asset-building initiatives aimed at alleviating hunger in local communities – primarily focused on the development of a feasibility report on launching a microfinance and public assistance initiative for low-income women and mothers in Philadelphia. He interviewed women in the community to research the day-to-day financial struggles of those living in poverty and organized partnerships between asset-building and anti-hunger organizations in the region.

Policy placement: Alliance to End Hunger

Washington, D.C.

Kyle assisted with the development of the National Hunger-Free Communities Network, which facilitates the exchange of ideas and resources among state and local anti-hunger coalitions.  In addition, he contributed to the Alliance’s communications efforts and supported Ambassador Tony Hall’s hunger-fast through outreach efforts to colleges and universities.

Publications