Looking Through the Leaves: UConn ECE’s Expanding Reach & Vision

 

I recently had the opportunity to spend time with colleagues from across the state and our NACEP (National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships) friends at the Connecticut State Department of Education’s sponsored NACEP Dual Credit Accreditation Institute hosted by Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). One NACEP team found themself commenting on the beauty of Connecticut, specifically struck by the volume of
trees they observed driving around the region. This comment immediately brought back childhood memories of summer days relaxing under a tree. There’s something transformative about lying under a tree, sunlight breaking through the leaves, and watching the canopy ripple with promise. It
mirrors the feeling students and educators experience through the UConn Early College Experience (ECE) program—grounded in opportunity, but always looking upward. With nearly 20,000 students statewide engaged this past academic year, ECE represents more than a head start on college—it’s a pathway to academic self-discovery, growth, and inspiration.

 

Over the past three years, UConn ECE has broadened its course offerings significantly to meet the needs of students and the evolving requests of partner high schools. From computer science and environmental studies to new STEM and humanities electives, the program reflects a commitment to providing rigorous, relevant, and diverse learning experiences. Recent additions, such as ME 3295 (Industrial Design) and UNIV 1820 (First Year Seminar, Intro to Making), have allowed partner schools to integrate university-level coursework directly into their existing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs—ensuring access for a wider range of students.

 

Central to this growth is continued support from university leadership, dedicated and inspiring UConn faculty and an ongoing expansion of pathways for certifying new UConn ECE Instructors. By improving access to training, graduate coursework, and credentialing opportunities, the program is empowering more high school educators to bring UConn courses into their classrooms. This approach not only enriches the professional lives of instructors but also ensures students from every corner of Connecticut have access to the same high standards of academic excellence.

 

As with the theme of this summer’s magazine, “Big Ideas Come out of the Blue” and the view from beneath the tree, ECE’s vision is one of infinite branches—each representing a unique student journey. With every new course, every new teacher, and every supported learner, the UConn Early College Experience program reaffirms its role as a statewide leader in concurrent enrollment. The light filtering through the canopy isn’t just the sun—it’s the future, breaking through.

 

To everyone in the UConn ECE Community—educators, counselors, administrators, partners, students, families and
staff—thank you for your tireless commitment to expanding access, upholding excellence, and shaping opportunity for
thousands of students across Connecticut. We hope this summer brought you the relaxation you’ve earned and moments
of reflection beneath the trees, where new ideas and fresh inspiration can shine through.