Recent CREC Summer Institutes at the University of Saint Joseph

This summer, more than 40 high school students from throughout Connecticut obtained a taste of collegiate life by residing on the West Hartford campus of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ), as part of the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) Interdistrict Cooperative Grants.

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences working in partnership with the School of Health and Natural Sciences at USJ, offered a four-week learning experience from July 8 through August 2; program offerings focused on biotechnology, health and medical science, introductory psychology, and political psychology.

Students were selected to participate in this program based on strong academics, positive letters of recommendation, as well as a holistic evaluation of the potential for the student to succeed in an early university experience. Students who complete the program in good academic standing can be awarded three college credits at their future undergraduate institution.

This program is funded by the Connecticut State Department of Education, Bureau of Choice Programs, Hartford, Conn.

The biotechnology program, which explored genes and human heredity along with current techniques used by major biotechnology companies, is featured here; pictured (left to right) are: Katherine Lagasse of Enfield; University of Saint Joseph Assistant Professor of Biology Irene Guttilla, Ph.D., of Middletown; and Arielle Virgulto of North Branford with Program Instructor Richard Greco of Manchester.