Building Connections
Building Connections is the Knott Scholar Community’s annual personal development program designed to help Scholars build lifelong skills and meaningful relationships beyond the classroom. Unlike many of our community events centered on service to others, Building Connections gives Scholars an opportunity to focus on their own growth—developing confidence, practicing how to introduce themselves and share their interests and experiences, and learning how to build authentic personal and professional connections.
Each year, this personal development program brings together secondary and collegiate Knott Scholars, along with alumni, guest speakers, and other members of our community. Programming is built around the four pillars of Faith, Community, Education, and Work, with a different emphasis and experience each year.
In 2027, Building Connections will focus on Faith with a special day at Mount St. Mary’s University on Saturday, January 23. Scholars will participate in personal development sessions with Mount students and seminarians, explore the Grotto through a scavenger hunt, celebrate a private Mass together, and enjoy lunch and a women’s basketball game at Knott Arena.
Registration is required and found here.
Knott Scholars Cycle of Support
Each academic year we focus on a part of the Building Connections program to
promote personal and professional development outside the classroom.
Year one
Academic Year
2024-2025
Building Personal Connections
- What and how is the traditional handshake used?
- How do you introduce yourself to your peers? Professionals? What is an elevator
pitch? How can you tailor your pitch to different situations? - How will developing these skills assist you throughout life?
Year Two
Academic Year
2025-2026
Building Connections for Education
- How can you get the most out of your educational experience?
- How do you tackle continued education applications for college and graduate
school?
Year three
Academic Year
2026-2027
Building Connections for Faith
- How can you have experiences that deepen your faith?
- How can you find a Catholic community of Young Adults?
- How does or can God help you in your life?
Year four
Academic Year
2027-2028
Building Connections through Leadership
- What are the qualities of an effective and faithful leader
- How do you seek and find leadership opportunities in your parish, college, grad school or in the workforce?
- How can you seek out opportunities with social impact? How do you integrate your faith and your future?