Established in 2016 through a generous $565,689 four-year grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the second annual Light the World! Summer Institute at the Catholic University School of Theology and Religious Studies (TRS) hosted 70 high school students from 18 states and Washington, D.C, double the participants from the previous year.
Additionally, 14 undergraduate TRS students served as Light the World! counselors, leading small group discussions, liturgies, and D.C.-area excursions while giving witness to their own life of faith.
“Not only have I grown stronger in my faith, but I have also grown so much more confident in myself. I am absolutely thrilled for having the opportunity to listen to Catholic University professors, see how my faith can be applied to my career choice, and have a sneak peek of campus life.” –2017 Light the World! participant
Designed for rising high school juniors and seniors to explore the intersection of faith and culture in their lives, the Institute focuses each day of the weeklong session on one aspect of culture: science, business, politics, sports, and art. Within the collegial, supportive community of peers under the guidance of Catholic University professors, participants are encouraged to engage in the essential questions of their faith.
To receive information about Light the World! 2018, please contact Rylee Kenney at kenney [at] cua.edu (kenney[at]cua[dot]edu) or 202-319-6524.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by three members of the Lilly family — J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.K. Jr. and Eli — through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly & Company. The Endowment exists to support the causes of religion, education, and community development.