By Stu Bobcat - St. Thomas University
MIAMI GARDENS | Registration is now open for STU IMPACT: Empowering Young Disciples, a summer program which aims to gather high school students both from South Florida and throughout Florida for an eight-day summer experience in Catholic theological education.
STU IMPACT is made possible through a grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc.’s High School Youth Theology Institutes Initiative, which seeks to encourage young people to explore theological traditions, ask questions about the moral dimensions of contemporary issues, and examine how their faith calls them to lives of service.
Jennifer Kryszak, faculty director and assistant professor of theological and ministerial studies at STU, will be joined by other STU faculty members, guest faculty, and counselors in leading the high school youths through the program. During the program, scheduled for June 17-24, youths will live on campus, learn from renowned scholars, and participate in local and regional civic engagement activities.
The program will open with guest speaker ValLimar Jansen, an inspirational and catechetical speaker, singer, composer and recording artist. Her records include Catholic classics: "African American Sacred Songs," "Give God the Glory," and "Spirit & Soul."
“We’re excited for this second year of the program. STU IMPACT provides the youths opportunities to reflect on their faith and how they will live it out in the course of their lives,” said Kryszak. “In addition to time with professors learning about the Old Testament, New Testament, and Catholic social teaching, the youths participate in service projects, as well as daily prayer and a concluding retreat.”
High school students wishing to participate in the STU IMPACT summer institute must complete the application process available here. While the cost for the program is $600, scholarships are available. For any questions about the program, scholarships, or the application process, please email [email protected], or call 305-474-6842.
STU IMPACT is also seeking counselors, age 21 and up. Counselors will walk alongside high school youths as they explore their call to service, as well as have an opportunity to discover, or re-discover their own call to service. The position provides a $500 stipend. For more information, click here.
