NAES launches new initiative to support student transitions to higher education
The National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) is pleased to announce the launch of the Episcopal Chaplaincy Connection Initiative (ECCI), a new national program designed to provide spiritual continuity and support for students as they transition from Episcopal high schools into colleges and universities throughout the country.
Episcopal schools invest deeply in the intellectual, ethical, emotional, and spiritual formation of young people, with chaplains serving as trusted companions as students explore questions of faith, identity, belonging, purpose, and vocation. When students graduate and enter college, however, there is currently no coordinated process through which school chaplains can connect them with Episcopal faith communities at their new institutions. ECCI will close this gap by creating a national network that links Episcopal school chaplains directly with campus ministers.
Leading the initiative is the Rev. Terri Ofori, D.Min., an ordained minister, educator, and scholar-practitioner with extensive leadership experience across secondary and higher education institutions — including Harvard University, Brown University, Ursinus College, and Brooks School. Dr. Ofori brings a rich background in student development, spiritual formation, and pastoral care to the role.
Initially, Dr. Ofori will focus on conducting a nationwide landscape assessment, hosting virtual chaplain convenings, partnering with Episcopal Relief and Development and the Episcopal Asset Map to create a searchable national network, and launching an alumni referral pilot program with select Episcopal schools.
“The transition from high school to college is one of the most consequential periods in a young person’s life,” said Dr. Ofori. “Students are entering new communities while navigating questions about identity, belonging, faith, purpose, and vocation. Through the Episcopal Chaplaincy Connection Initiative, NAES is creating a more intentional continuum of spiritual care so that Episcopal school chaplains can help graduates connect with pastoral support and faith communities as they begin this next chapter.”
To learn more about this initiative, visit www.episcopalschools.org or contact the Rev. Dr. Terri Ofori at terri@episcopalschools.org.
The National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) is an independently incorporated, voluntary membership organization that supports, serves, and advocates for the vital work and ministry of those who serve approximately 800 Episcopal schools and early childhood education programs throughout the Episcopal Church, as well as school establishment efforts. Chartered in 1965, with historic roots dating to the 1930s, NAES is the only pre-collegiate educational association that is both national in scope and Episcopal in character. The Association advances Episcopal education and strengthens Episcopal schools through essential services, resources, conferences, and networking opportunities on Episcopal school identity, leadership, and governance, and on the spiritual and professional development of school leaders.