Business Unusual at Shepherds

College decision time is a stressful time for nearly all high school seniors. Analyzing economic, academic and transportation considerations are challenging for Shepherds’ students, many who will be the first in their family to attend college. This year is especially challenging given lack of in-person access to those that support our students outside their family: mentors, teachers and school counselors.

Recently, Kolbe Cathedral High School seniors in the Shepherds program had a Zoom meeting with their mentors, KCHS school counselor Sarah Mastrone , Shepherds KCHS Liason Lisa Matson and Dan McAuliffe, Executive Director at Shepherds.

“I’m happy to report that Shepherds’ students are rising to the challenges they are facing. During our meeting we learned that all the seniors have multiple college options and solid financial aid packages to consider,” stated Dan McAuliffe.

While on the Zoom conference call, students expressed concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will have on their first semester of college. “They have come a long way in four years. Our students have the added wrinkle of trying to evaluate if attending their top choice as an e-learner this fall is something they want to consider,” stated Lisa Matson, “The maturity and growth our seniors are demonstrating right now makes us exceptionally proud.”

During the Zoom meeting, KCHS seniors in the Shepherds program discussed options at University Connecticut Storrs, University of Connecticut Stamford, University of Bridgeport, Eastern Connecticut, Albertus Magnus, Elon University and Wake Forest University.

Shepherds is excited to hear final college decisions from our senior classes at Kolbe Cathedral High School and Notre Dame West Haven in May. As Shepherds celebrates their senior class, we are making plans for our incoming freshman class this fall.

Shepherds students are from Bridgeport or the New Haven areas and are both economically and educationally disadvantaged.

Shepherds provides a private, college preparatory education, educational and social skills training, and most importantly, a mentor to help guide the way. Education is the gift that keeps on giving, and Shepherds needs mentors to make this happen! To find out how you can make an impact on a young person’s life, contact Dan McAuliffe at info@shepherdsmentors.org or call 203-367-4273.