standardized test prep, or information about the
core skills and responsibilities associated with a
desired career path.
Others, like the recent visit by Derrick Pitts, Chief
Astronomer at The Franklin Institute, are one-
off. For these, students must register in advance,
reserving their spot in an exclusive breakout event
following a larger, school-wide presentation.
“We ended up seating over 50 students. It was a
powerful message of discovery,” Shane says.
FUTURE LEADER:
C O N W E L L- E G A N C L A SS O F 2019
Favorite CSL experience:
Helping shape CSL’s formation over the summer
Where CSL placed him?
Bucks Workforce Program, where he’s learning
tradesman work and earning certifications earlier
than otherwise possible
Leadership outlook?
“CSL helped me even when I didn’t know what I was
In addition to alumni speaking engagements and
courses, CSL is a permanent space with resources
for student development. There’s a computer lab,
meeting areas, and more — available both during
the day and after school until 5:00 PM.
So far, hundreds of students have participated
in CSL, with more than a dozen students
already engaged in internships or other work
opportunities.
going to do. It’s setting me up for a good job that I’ll
love doing.”
RECENT CSL
“Careers in Healthcare” Seminar where
students learned about what it takes to be a
nurse, PT, or EMT
Interested in launching a student leadership
initiative for your school? Shane offers his advice:
A semester-long character and leadership
course sponsored by the Travis Manion
Foundation culminating in a group service
“Dedicate someone full time to the space and the
programming. And most importantly, listen to
your community — students, faculty, and alumni.
They will be your biggest assets!”
project at the local emergency housing shelter
Inspiration from Kelsey Tainsh, who overcame
brain tumors to excel in athletics, academics,
and business
Freshman and junior physics lessons from
Sean McHale, AOPS grad and a mechanical
engineer for SES Satellites
“Pizza with the Graduates” event where
seniors shared lunch with recent CEC grads
for college lifestyle advice
A religious lesson about Jesus’ role in a world
defined by selfies, by CatholicPhilly.com
editor Gina Christian
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