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������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ�’s annual Cristo Rey College Exploration Summer Program and Pre-College Workshops took place on campus this week. Designed to increase college access and awareness, the weeklong program provides high school juniors and seniors with many of the skills and tools necessary for selecting the appropriate college in their futures. Cristo Rey network schools provide a quality, Catholic, college preparatory education to thousands of young people who live in urban communities with limited educational options. At this year’s Exploration Summer Program and Pre-College Workshops, over 100 high school juniors and seniors from Cristo Rey network schools from throughout the country as well as dozens of high schools in the New England and Tri-State area participated.

Pictured here is ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ�'s Diana DeVellis, Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid, giving useful tips on financial aid and college scholarships to a group of students at one of this year's session. During the weeklong program, ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� staff and faculty from various disciplines provided the students with exposure to academics and what the students should expect in a classroom environment once they enter college. They were also introduced to a number of Jesuit principles by Elliott Gualtiere, director of campus ministry at Fairfield College Preparatory School. Over the course of the week, students were asked to reflect daily on what they experienced and learned, and at the end of the program, students wrote their own statements, addressing the educational commitment they promise to make during their senior year and beyond.

“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. “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.” During their stay, students were introduced to staff and faculty responsible for the many services available to ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� students. Additionally, they were exposed to colleges and universities beyond Fairfield, visiting Yale, Wesleyan, the University of New Haven, NYU, and Manhattanville College.