On Friday hundreds of middle school students from New Britain got to spend the day in college at Central Connecticut State University as part of an event meant to show them the value of higher education and a taste of the college experience.
“Being here today is such a unique experience. It’s wonderful really,” said Itati Serrano, an eighth-grader. “Going to college is so important and this campus is beautiful.”
Nelba Marquez-Greene founded the Ana Grace Project and started the, “Finish the Race” event for her daughter who was killed in the Sandy Hook Shooting.
“We’ve got 600 kids and their staff and their teachers all coming today to participate in the third annual 'Finish the Race' which is a program that we have here at the CCSU AGP with the school district of New Britain,” Marquez-Greene explained.
The students learned about the value of an education and got the chance to interact with college students.
“I think for some kids who may not get an introduction to college any other way, it’s the first time seeing themselves on campus saying hey this could be for me and that’s what we want,” Marquez-Greene said.
Each student even got a pair of new sneakers from Fleet Feet.
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“The coolest thing about today is, it’s all about love,” said Mckala Linbo, a New Britain student.
