HMTCA – Trinity College Summer Programs Reach Record Number of High School Student Participants
The Trinity College summer programs offered to high school students at Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy (HMTCA) reached a record number, with over 70 participants engaged in two enriching experiences: the Summer Writing Institute and the Designing Your College Experience program. Thanks to the strong partnership and support from the Allan K. Smith Center for Writing and Rhetoric and the Career and Life Design Center, students improved their confidence and skill in writing as well as exploring their life and career goals while being fully immersed in the amazing atmosphere of Trinity College’s campus.
The Summer Writing Institute is a program meticulously crafted to introduce students to the rigors of college-level writing in a fun, interactive way. Dr. Tennyson O’Donnell, Director of the Allan K. Smith Center for Writing and Rhetoric, and his faculty designed the curriculum to meet the unique needs of high school students. Through a focus on critical reading, rhetorical analysis, and the revising process, participants were given essential tools to succeed academically in the years ahead. One student said, “My favorite part of the workshop was getting to work and interact with other people. We were encouraged to pursue our goals, and it felt like a supportive, motivating space.”
“Teaching HMTCA high school students in the Summer Writing Institute is incredibly rewarding,” O’Donnell says. “It’s a joy to watch high school students develop a sense of confidence in their writing and analytical skills. It’s an honor to serve as a mentor and guide through this pivotal stage as they consider college and other post-grad plans.” O’Donnell says that Trinity’s faculty participate in the Summer Writing Institute because they know the difference it can make for each student. “Every session reaffirms my belief in the transformative power of education, the necessity for mentorship, and the important role Trinity College has in our broader community.”
The Designing Your College Experience program is facilitated by Joe Catrino, Executive Director of the Trinity College Career & Life Design Center. Catrino and his staff provide HMTCA high school students with valuable design-thinking tools to help craft a meaningful and intentional future—no matter if students are heading to college, trade school, military service, or exploring alternative pathways. From choosing a major to personal branding, and from navigating the complexities of educational decisions to innovating one’s future career path, the program covers a broad range of topics that are critical for success.
During the program, students engaged in small group discussions, reflective activities, and field exercises, all of which contributed to a deeper understanding of their personal and academic journeys. Individual coaching sessions also provided them with the support needed to clarify their goals and ambitions. One student remarked that Catrino “helped me step out of my comfort zone and reflect on who I am as a person. He also gave us invaluable insights into preparing for our careers and reminded us that it’s okay not to know the exact path ahead—there are many different routes to success.”
The success of these programs not only highlights the value of experiential learning but also reinforces the power of mentorship and collaboration in helping high school students make informed, purposeful decisions about their futures. By creating a supportive and enriching partnership, HMTCA and Trinity College continue to promote personal growth, academic readiness, and career exploration, setting students up for a brighter future.
“Life design empowers students to take control of their futures, teaching them how to navigate uncertainty, make thoughtful decisions, and cultivate the skills necessary for lifelong learning. This partnership exemplifies how we can prepare young people for the challenges ahead, helping them to design meaningful lives both in and beyond their educational journeys.” – Joe Catrino, Executive Director of the Trinity College Career & Life Design Center
