As the entire UConn ECE community basks in the glory of summer break, we welcome you to our 2023 summer edition of the UConn Early College Experience (ECE) Magazine. This summer’s theme: Challenging the Status Quo represents not only a reflection on this past year, inclusive of the tremendous efforts made by students, instructors, faculty, and program staff, but also serves as a foundational principle and vision for the work that lies ahead.
We hope that as the dust settles on the 2022-23 academic year, you are afforded an opportunity to take stock in all that you accomplished this past year, as well as all that our ECE community collectively accomplished in our mission to support schools and the students they serve. In the coming weeks, take a moment to peruse the many highlights of programmatic success captured within this edition of the magazine, and to reflect upon your own role within this work. We celebrate the return of in-person student and programmatic events in addition to recognizing our incredible instructor and faculty accomplishments and awards. This past spring the UConn ECE program increased course offerings, expanded student access with updated fee waiver policies, and welcomed nearly 200 newly certified ECE Instructors to our community. In partnership with the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), UConn ECE worked to support the release of $5.5 million in grant funding to support the expansion and growth of Concurrent Enrollment/Dual Enrollment for our partner schools and students across the state. This watershed moment represents a significant shift in statewide emphasis and support for each and every school working to provide high school students with meaningful access to college coursework. At each and every stage, the UConn ECE community is working to challenge the status quo.
As my first year as director comes to a close, I would be remiss if I didn’t extend a huge thank you to the entire UConn ECE community for your support and partnership as I have transitioned into this role. To our Instructors, Site Representatives and building principals, thank you for your advocacy on behalf of your schools and your tireless commitment to student success. To our ECE Faculty Coordinators and UConn professional colleagues, thank you for standing behind a vision which maintains high standards and expectations, but places those discussions within the contextual framework of expanded access, improved pathways, and program exceptionalism. Finally, to my friends and co-workers within the Office of Early College Programs and Early College Experience team, thank you for being the consummate professionals you are, dedicated to the mission and goals of providing access to, and preparation for, higher education for all Connecticut students.
Wishing all members of the UConn ECE community a memorable and restful summer break!
With gratitude,
Christopher M. Todd
Executive Director
