UConn ECE Magazine

Members of the UConn ECE Community,

 

As an educational community, summer presents an incredible opportunity for all of us to take a moment to pause, take stock of the past year and rejuvenate for the academic year ahead. As each of us settles into our summer routines, I encourage you to find opportunities to reconnect with family and friends, pursue personal interests, and engage in new learning. Take advantage of opportunities that provide you with a renewed sense of motivation and excitement for the unrealized possibilities that lie ahead.

 

The Office of Early College Programs would be remiss if we did not take a moment to recognize the incredible work and undertakings of our community members this past academic year. In many ways, the 2023-24 academic year was a banner year for the ECE program. Student enrollment and newly certified instructors achieved all-time program highs; partner school leadership, faculty and staff engaged in frequent and on-going conversations about expanding course offerings and the Connecticut State Department of Education’s (CSDE) intentional focus coupled with the allocation of grant funding on the expansion of dual credit opportunities have shifted dialogue around student access, equity, and opportunity statewide. As we pause to celebrate each of these gains, we recognize that the challenge that awaits, is not only to maintain this momentum, but to double-down on these successes in the year ahead.

 

The entire country watched Coach Hurley and UConn basketball double-down on success with back-to-back national championships. While the Huskies’ dominant tournament run made this feat look easy, a multitude of challenges had to be overcome to put the Huskies in that position. Repeating success, in any modality, is incredibly difficult. However, the rewards of succeeding are substantial. It brings heightened recognition, solidifies legacy and ultimately leaves a lasting impact on the entire community.

 

Next academic year presents an opportunity for the entire ECE community to double-down on their success. To push boundaries that advance access, to re-imagine structures that have created unintentional barriers to success, or simply challenge ourselves to try something new. We hope that this edition of the UConn ECE magazine provides inspiration, or sparks your imagination, as you reflect on what will be your impact, your story, your legacy this upcoming year.