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High Schoolers Get a Taste of College at JWU’s Career Explorations

Ruby Canfield
13 May 2026

Updated May 2026

What if you could test drive living and learning on a college campus? Johnson & Wales University’s Career Explorations (CX) offers exactly this. For three days, high school students stay in JWU’s residence halls, eat from JWU’s dining halls and enjoy a combination of hands-on activities and socializing.

This year, students can choose to participate in CX programming in Animal Science, Criminal Justice, Design, Food Innovation & Technology, Health & Wellness and Hospitality. (Note: JWU Charlotte only offers Food Innovation & Technology CX programs.) Not only does CX allow you to explore a new environment, it also lets you discover what programs of study you may be interested in pursuing.

A group of students in a JWU lab sit on desks while talking together

After spending your days learning, you can relax in the evening and get to know the other participants and JWU’s CAT Student Ambassadors even better through games and group activities.

CAT Ambassador Tess Vogler ’27 says, “CX offers a genuine taste of college life, giving students real-world insight to help them figure out whether their interests align with their dream jobs, with only four days rather than four years.” Vogler and many other CAT ambassadors were once high school students attending CX themselves. Here's what they have to say about some of our most popular programs.

Criminal Justice

Students in the Criminal Justice program learn the ins and outs of the industry through staged crime scenes and a surveillance exercise.

At a staged crime scene, a professor points past caution tape as students watch and take notes

“CX really gives students a great inside look at JWU. Students get to experience hands-on learning in programs related to the majors they’re interested in, which is super helpful in making sure they’re on the right path,” says CAT Ambassador Maria Garcia Damasco ’26.

She says that, “Beyond the academics, students also get a taste of independence — staying in the residence halls, managing their own schedule and meeting other students from different places. This helps them build confidence and start thinking of themselves as future college students.”

Aerial shot of Criminal Justice CX students and professor by a staged crime scene

“The students were presented with a scenario and crime scene to process using an array of equipment and tools that those in law enforcement use when they conduct such an investigation and gather and seize evidence,” explains Paul Sylvestre, Ph.D., a professor in JWU’s Criminal Justice program and chair of the social science department. “Part of evidence collection is knowing what to look for and its relevance to the investigation.”

Close-up shot of hands holding iPhone showing a map of Providence

Health & Wellness

Students in the Health & Wellness program view lectures and participate in discussions and hands-on analysis while learning about topics in exercise and sports science, healthcare administration, dietetics and applied nutrition, public health and psychology.

A professor lectures to a seated group of Health & Wellness CX students

“I met so many people at my CX, some of whom I am still close with today. After classroom or lab activities, the weekend goes full summer camp mode,” states Vogler, who participated in a 2022 Baking & Pastry Arts CX session. She credits her time as a CX student for helping her decide to study Baking & Pastry Arts instead of Culinary Arts when she started attending JWU as an undergraduate.

A classroom full of JWU CX students watch a professor lecture about nutrition

“One of the best parts of CX is seeing the friendships that form over just a few days. Many of them mention how surprised they are by how quickly they bond with the group. I think it’s really comforting for them to know they might already have friends when they get to campus for real,” adds Garcia Damasco.

Three JWU CX students look at a worksheet while examining a model of the human muscular system

Hospitality Management

Students in the Hospitality Management program tour local hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. They also spend time with JWU faculty exploring the wide variety of career possibilities available through this degree.

The manager of a hotel points upwards while giving a group of students a tour

“One of my students this year verbally committed to the soccer team halfway through the academic session. This made my whole summer. Watching the transformation from quiet, nervous students to passionate, confident individuals by Sunday makes CX special,” explains Vogler.

Two students laugh while looking at one another's phones in a classroom

“I truly believe that CX is such a valuable program — not just for the academic preview, but for the personal growth and connections it fosters,” says Garcia Damasco. "It helps prospective students feel like they belong here, which can make all the difference when deciding where to go. I’m really grateful I got to be a part of it and connect with the next generation of Wildcats!”

A group of students watch the manager of a hotel lecture in the lobby