St. Jean's has wrapped up its annual University Bound (UB) summer program and it was one of the best ever! Established in 2004, UB is an elective three-week program that bridges the gap between 8th grade and high school through academic coursework and enrichment activities. It provides the opportunity for incoming 9th graders to build relationships with other students, faculty, and staff while growing and strengthening essential learning and communication skills. Participants become familiar with the school grounds, academic expectations, and campus resources.
Centered on a theme of "Women Oriented to the Future"--one of five St. Jean's Profiles of a Graduate, our newest Jeanites visited several colleges across New York City including Columbia University, Lehman College, CUNY on the Concourse, Fordham University, and The Cooper Union. Students toured the campuses and took part in hands-on educational activities, including learning about virtual reality at Lehman College and trying the technology out for themselves. They also explored Allerton Library in the Bronx and enjoyed hands-on training in its state-of-the-art multimedia studio, which features audio production, video production, and podcasting stations.
Another important feature of the UB program is classroom work to prepare incoming students for the rigors of high school. This year's curriculum included a module on France in anticipation of the school's trip there next spring. As part of the course, students visited our own St. Jean Baptiste Church and learned about the spectacular stained glass windows which were crafted by the atelier of Charles Lorin in Chartres, France, between 1912 and 1914. Math, science, and English rounded out the classroom offerings.
A St. Jean’s education puts a young woman on the college track from day one, and UB is the first step of the journey for many of our students.