CFISD Completes Third Select Institute Summer Project
To help open doors to college and career readiness for students, the CFISD guidance and counseling department coordinated and completed its third Select Institute Summer Project. The summer program concluded with a closing ceremony July 21 at the Berry Center.
Throughout June and July, community youth services workers youth service specialists with CFISD and Harris County brought in college, military and industry professionals to speak to students. Topics included college, financial aid options, vocational training and education, careers, interviewing skills, résumé building and goal setting.
A total of 27 students participated. Many were rising juniors and seniors, as well as potential first-generation college attendees.
Over the course of eight weeks (May 31-July 21), students met twice a week. On the first day of the week, the group met at Cy-Fair High School for the speakers and presentations.
On the second day, students travelled to and toured one of eight different colleges and universities in Texas. Among those campuses were Baylor University, Texas A&M University, Texas State University and Wiley College.
“For some students, they don’t have the opportunities to go to these colleges, so all they may know is what they may hear at school,” Phuong said. “This perception may not be very broad so with this program, you get to expand what different colleges can offer and are out there. Then you can decide if this college is for you.”
The staff, students and families came together to celebrate the summer and share the stories during a closing ceremony on July 21. Every student was recognized for their participation, while awards were also presented to those with perfect attendance, who best motivated others and who best took advantage of the networking opportunities.
At the event’s conclusion, students embraced, took photos and thanked staff members for the experiences.
“I’m already planning on telling people about this,” Meagan Phuong said. “You benefit so much from this. This summer has been really informative and fun at the same time because you build bonds, make friends and have really good connections with all these different people.”
