Fairfield University's annual Cristo Rey College Exploration Summer Program and Pre-College Workshops will take place on campus this summer, July 6-12, 2014 . The program is designed to increase college access and awareness and provides students with many of the skills and tools necessary for selecting the appropriate college in their future.

Students have been invited from the 24 Cristo Rey Network Schools in the U.S. and will be joined by students from a number of schools in the local New England and Tri-State (CT, NY, Mass.) areas. Cristo Rey schools, located in 17 states and the District of Columbia, provide a quality, Catholic, college preparatory education to 7,400 young people who live in urban communities with limited educational options.

During the week-long program, Fairfield University professors from various disciplines provide the students with exposure to academics and what the students should expect in a classroom environment once they enter college. They are also introduced to a number of Jesuit principles. Over the course of the week, students are also asked to reflect daily on what they experienced and learned, and at the end of the program, students write their own statements, addressing the educational commitment they promise to make during their senior year in high school and beyond. The July 6-12 program includes a Pre-College Workshop college process focus on July 8-9.

"We want to instill an added sense of confidence in these students about who they are, where they are going, and what they can accomplish with the proper dedication," said Nakia Letang, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission at Fairfield University. "During the program, we stress finding the purpose for their collegiate experience. Our hope is to get these students thinking more holistically about their college selection and determining the proper fit."

Throughout their stay, students are introduced to staff and faculty responsible for the many services available to Fairfield University students. Additionally, they will be exposed to colleges and universities beyond Fairfield, with planned visits to Yale, Wesleyan, the University of New Haven, Sarah Lawrence, and Columbia University in New York City.

For further program information, contact Nakia LeTang at nletang@fairfield.edu .

Posted On: 07-01-2014 03:07 PM

Volume: 46 Number: 329