Student Testimonials

Allie Ruiz | Silliman ‘28

“I absolutely loved being in FOCUS! It was a great opportunity to meet my fellow first years while also feeling like I had a direct, positive impact on the community that I live in day in and day out. FOCUS made me want to get EVEN MORE involved in supporting New Haven once the school year began.”

Yoselin Colin | Berkeley ‘27

“As someone passionate about social justice and community service, FOCUS provided me with a unique lens through which I could effectively contribute to and engage with the local community of New Haven as a Yale student. I also gained a tight-knit community, rooted in connection, collaboration, and compassion, allowing me to build lasting memories and friendships!”

Juan Borrego | Silliman ‘26

“FOCUS put things so many things into perspective for me. We have the privilege of not only learning and growing alongside fellow Yale students but also the greater New Haven community as well.”

Jackie Knobelsdorf | Pauli Murray ‘21

“I don’t know what my Yale experience would be like if I didn’t do FOCUS. I met a lot of my best friends from the program, and a lot of my friends from my small group that worked at LEAP get brunch every Sunday. They’re even my phone background. ”