DANBURY, Connecticut — Western Connecticut State University has launched the Social Justice Institute (SJI), a fun and interactive pre-college experience for high school students and rising college freshmen. The free event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury. Space is limited and registration is required at https://forms.office.com/r/NSqtsmBCY7.
The SJI was created to engage students who are curious about how to be a changemaker in today’s world; are concerned about systemic racism or growing economic inequality; and are interested in gender equity, the rights of immigrants or environmental protection. The SJI will provide a welcoming summer experience that will connect justice-oriented students, whether they are seasoned activists or just getting started.
Attendees will have the opportunity to share experiences and ideas with other emerging activists from Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, engage and network with WCSU professors who are experts in the field, and discover ways to get involved in the justice issues they care about. An optional tour of the WCSU campus will follow the workshop. Lunch and snacks will be provided, and participants will get a social justice toolkit to help them stay connected and involved.
Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Department of Social Sciences Dr. Carina Bandhauer said, “We’re really excited to welcome young people into our institute. The enthusiasm of high school students and incoming college freshman is palpable. They are full of fresh ideas that spring forward incredible social change if only that potential is tapped. Students at the institute will have an incredible opportunity to collaborate with an array of economists, sociologists, anthropologists and political scientists, as well as college seniors and community organizers. It’s going to be a great day!”
For more information, contact: admissions@wcsu.edu or pr@wcsu.edu.
Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.