For the second year in a row, Fairfield University will recruit and train up to 500 college students to provide meaningful summer educational experiences for youth, in collaboration with the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, the Connecticut State Department of Education, and other public and private higher education institutions across the state.

The Connecticut College Corps program was launched in summer 2021, in response to Governor Ned Lamont’s plan to provide engaging educational experiences to K-12 students and families whose school years were significantly disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Last month, Gov. Lamont announced that the Connecticut State Department of Education will dedicate $8 million of federal American Rescue Plan funding to continue the state’s highly successful Summer Enrichment Program.

“College Corps CT benefited K-12 children, undergraduate students, and the host sites where the Corps members worked,” said School of Education and Human Development Dean Laurie Grupp, PhD. “We are excited that we have the opportunity to lead the program again this summer."

Fairfield University is actively recruiting undergraduate college students who attend Connecticut colleges and universities, and Connecticut residents who attend college out of state, to work as Corps members for approximately seven weeks supporting Connecticut summer programs. Corps Members will receive training by Fairfield University faculty to equip them with the skills needed to provide K-12 students with enriching summer experiences so they are prepared for the upcoming academic year. Corps members will be paid a taxable wage of $15.00 per hour.

During the training, Corps members will be introduced to concepts such as social-emotional learning, equity, diversity, academic support, and reflective practice followed by weekly check-ins with mentors during the program. College students who participated in the program last year reported positive, meaningful experiences at their sites, as well as significant personal growth and learning.

“I have become more outgoing and assertive,” shared one 2021 Corps member. “I learned how to teach my campers conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and how to have fun while using their imagination. By helping my campers have a fun summer, I helped myself reflect on my own thoughts, feelings, and opinions. I also gained more social skills through engaging with campers, coworkers, and parents.”

College students who are interested should visit fairfield.edu/collegecorpsct to learn more and apply. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, May 10, 2022.