2024 NEACEP Conference hosted at UConn

 

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.