Contributed by Professor Anne Gebelein.
El Instituto and LCI hosted the 8th graders of FAME Middle School of New Haven on Thursday, April 23, 2026. The Family Academy of Multilingual Exploration (FAME), situated in the heart of the Latino community of the city, promotes true bilingualism, rather than the standard CT model of transition to monolingualism. 43 Latino students and 4 teachers were welcomed by UConn LCI students, who engaged them in ice breakers outdoors before settling inside Werth classrooms for conversation. LCI and middle school students discussed course subjects, college life, and career options. Afterwards, UConn Tours showed FAME students campus highlights, including a visit to PRLACC, where students there shared the history of the Latino student center and the many clubs one could join here on campus.
Students enjoyed sharing with and learning from each other, and FAME students were really surprised at just how big college campuses are, and how many options for growth UConn offers. As they are eligible for New Haven Promise scholarships granted to all graduating seniors, coming to UConn is a true option for these students.
The day was the outcome of a visit that Professor Gebelein and UConn LLAS graduate Yadiel Rodriguez made to FAME school last November, to explore career options with approximately 100 7th and 8th graders. Rodriguez grew up in the FAME neighborhood, and is currently a guidance counselor for Middletown Schools. He motivated students through his own example of success and his UConn experience in LCI, El Instituto and PRLACC, as well as his masters degree in Educational Psychology. When the middle school asked to visit UConn campus to continue the conversation, Gebelein and Rodriguez collaborated with Catherina Villafuerte and Dr Nienhusser of LCI to plan the student exchange. Given its success, the collaboration may become a yearly pair of events.