By Carissa Rutkauskas
The University of Connecticut Early College Experience Program hosted the 2024 New England Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NEACEP) annual conference on Friday, May 17, 2024 in the UConn Student Union. Approximately one-hundred dual/ concurrent enrollment and early college professionals and advocates from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, as well as several experts from outside of New England were in attendance. The event was kicked off by a warm welcome by Kari Suderley, NEACEP President/ Director of Early College Programs, University of Maine and Dr. Amit Savkar, Interim Associate Vice Provost CETL, University of Connecticut.
During the Plenary Session, participants had the opportunity to hear from six program directors, a school superintendent, and a state chief performance officer as they offered insights into the landscape of dual and concurrent enrollment programs in their respective states. The panel highlighted key aspects of their programs such as program structure, partnerships, goals, achievements, and advancements, sparking further discussion and idea sharing from the audience.
A total of 14 breakout sessions were featured throughout the day, covering various aspects of early college programs, research, equity, policy, and support resources. Topics ranged from stakeholder perspectives on research, alumni insights, collaborative initiatives for improving early college access, and disrupting racist systems to promote student success. Sessions also delved into advanced course patterns, educator pathways, dual enrollment policies, diverse learning landscapes, career pathways advising, support for multilingual students, recognition in early college programs, targeted support for trade occupations, and a comprehensive look at Connecticut State Community College’s early college programs. The conference concluded with closing remarks from Kari Suderley, door prizes, and the distribution of certificates. Participants left with valuable insights and a growing network of connections in the field.
Special thanks to the following partners for participating in the Plenary Session:
- Christopher Todd, Executive Director, Office of Early College Programs, University of Connecticut
- Salvatore Menzo, EdD, Superintendent of Goodwin University Magnet Schools
- Ajit Gopalakrishnan, Chief Performance Officer, Connecticut State Department of Education
- Beth Doiron, Director of College Access and NHED Programs & Initiatives Community College System of New Hampshire
- Jerry Appell, Early College Coordinator, River Valley Community College -Community College System of New Hampshire
- Amy Hubbard, Executive Director of Early College, University of Maine System
- Mercedes Pour, Director of College Access and Secondary Partnerships, Maine Community College System
- Phylitia Jamerson, Executive Director of Early College, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Education
Explore a complete list of topics, presenters, and slides on the NEACEP conference website.