Home | UConn ECE Magazine

As we reach the midpoint of the 2025–26 academic year, we do so as a community of educators, leaders, and learners united by a shared pride in the lasting impact UConn Early College Experience has had on generations of Connecticut students. Throughout this year, the 70 Years, 70 Faces, 1 UConn ECE Legacy campaign has captured stories from our program’s rich history while also documenting the present- day educators, partners, and students who contribute daily to the program's rich story.

Reflecting on this journey, it is worth pausing to celebrate a remarkable truth: the nation’s earliest conceptualization of what would later be defined as concurrent enrollment originated here in Connecticut. On January 29, 1946, high school principals and building leaders from across the state met with university officials, including UConn’s Albert E. Waugh, to explore new ways to support graduating seniors. At the time, these students faced increased competition for college admission as World War II veterans returned to campuses aided by the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act. As recorded by Waugh, two proposals emerged from that meeting. The second would become the foundation for concurrent enrollment, envisioning high schools offering a “freshman year of college” taught by their own teachers, approved by the University, using college curriculum, with credits honored by the institution.

In the decade that followed, Albert E. Waugh, working in partnership with the University President, Senate, and high school principals across the region, formally launched the Cooperative Program for Superior High School Students in 1955. Through these early partnerships, and those that continue today, generations of Connecticut students have benefited from the University’s longstanding commitment to expanding access to UConn coursework. Because of this enduring collaboration, today more than 20,000 students are enrolled this year in academically rigorous and meaningful UConn courses, continuing Waugh’s vision of “allowing these outstanding students to stay in the high school taking work under our supervision and getting college credit for the work” (Waugh, November 5, 1953).

Together, we continue to strengthen pathways to higher education and deepen collaboration among school districts, educators, and the University of Connecticut. In doing so, we ensure that the legacy of the UConn Early College Experience remains one of a national and regional leading program, rooted in history, and responsive to the future.

I hope you enjoy the 2025-2026 Winter Edition of the UConn ECE Magazine as we celebrate and recognize the true experience of UConn ECE.

With gratitude,