Author: Charlotte

Voice: The Student Ambassador Program

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By Todd Blodgett

 

The UConn ECE Student Ambassador Program plays a crucial role within the UConn Early College Experience Program, where ambassadors actively assist with ECE marketing and administration, support fellow students, and collaborate with Site Representatives at their high schools. In recent years, we’ve expanded their responsibilities to make them more
interactive and present on the front lines of our social media and publications, allowing them to share experiences and projects within their UConn ECE courses.

 

Some of the initiatives that ambassadors have contributed to recently—and will continue to participate in this year—include the ECE Student Advice Column, where ambassadors share tips and insights for success in the program. They also participate in Ambassador Spotlights, allowing each ambassador to highlight their personal achievements and goals, and showcase their experiences with ECE. As UConn ECE continues to expand its Academic Planning Portal, we will take the advice and insights from our Student Ambassadors to help build our resources.

 

Ambassadors are also involved in semester reports, providing updates on what’s happening in their classrooms and ECE courses. During the fall term, they assist teachers with student registration, supporting a smooth enrollment process. We encourage and help support our Student Ambassadors to take a leadership role within their UConn ECE courses and amongst their peers.

 

The ECE Ambassador Program is an excellent leadership opportunity, and it’s rewarding to see the impact on our students’ futures. This program not only cultivates leadership skills but also serves as an inspiring pathway for other students who share similar values and aspirations to get involved in their schools and the UConn ECE Program.

Student Scholarship Applications Open

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UConn Early College Experience recognizes outstanding UConn ECE Students each year with twelve $1000 scholarships, which can be used at any institution. Students are not eligible to receive more than one UConn ECE Student Scholarship.

 

• Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year open January 19, 2026 and close March 9, 2026.
• Applicants for this award must be a high school senior and have taken or be currently taking at least one UConn Early College Experience course.

 

1. Excellence in Humanities, Social Sciences, or Interdisciplinary Studies demonstrate academic achievement and a potential for future academic and professional accomplishments in a field focusing on Humanities, Social Sciences, or Interdisciplinary Studies.

 

2. Excellence in Visual, Performing, or Digital Arts demonstrate artistic achievement and a potential for future academic and professional accomplishments in a field related to the visual, performing, or digital arts. Eligible areas may include—but are not limited to—drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, graphic design, digital media, film, music, theater, and dance.

 

3. Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics demonstrate academic achievement and a potential for future academic and professional accomplishments in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Mathematics.

 

4. Excellence in Professional Careers, Public Service, or Applied Studies demonstrates ambition and self-drive evidenced by outstanding achievement in both school and their community.

 

5. Excellence in Languages, Literatures, or Cultures to celebrate the academic achievement and a potential for future academic and professional accomplishments in a field that involves the study or use of world languages—including spoken and sign languages—world literatures, and/or global cultures.

 

6. Excellence in Agriculture, Health, or Natural Resources to celebrate the academic achievement and a potential for future academic and professional accomplishments in a field related to agriculture, health, or natural resources.

 

A Scholar Across The Ages

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Celebrating the Retirement of Prof. Sherri Olson

 

By Stefanie Malinoski

 

After a 37-year tenure at the University of Connecticut, Professor Sherri Olson retired in January, closing a distinguished chapter in the Department of History. For more than twenty years, Dr.Olson served as the UConn ECE Faculty Coordinator for European History, shaping curricula, mentoring colleagues, and inspiring educators and students.

 

In 1998, she helped launch the first Medieval Studies outreach seminar for middle and high school teachers, “Late Medieval Europe & the Black Death.” Offered by UConn’s Medieval Studies Program in partnership with the Center for Professional Development, the program was originally known as the Medieval Studies Secondary School Outreach Seminar.

The seminar’s first formal collaboration with ECE, then called the High School Cooperative Program, followed in 2004 with “War, Peace, and Toleration in the Ancient and Medieval World.” The first official mention of Early College Experience appeared in 2006, with the seminar focused on “The Poor & the Idea of Poverty in Ancient & Medieval Society,” marking the beginning of an over 20 year partnership. Over the years, UConn’s Collegium Musicum, under the direction of Professor Eric Rice, added a musical component to the seminars. This ensemble of student singers and instrumentalists perform music from the late Middle Ages through the Renaissance and Baroque periods, often using period-specific instruments.

 

In her role as ECE Faculty Coordinator for Medieval History, Dr. Olson provided a wide range of seminar themes in collaboration with colleagues at UConn, and her former graduate students now serving as faculty members at colleges and universities across the country. Her former students were always eager to return to UConn to share their research with Connecticut educators. The program has run almost every year since 1998, each time offering educators a fresh and engaging theme, and we look forward to continuing the program under new leadership.

 

Now embracing a slower pace, Dr. Olson plans to return to some of her hobbies, including knitting, and continuing to contribute to the field through book reviews and other scholarly pursuits.

News To Know

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By Carissa Rutkauskas

 

NACEP 2025 Conference, Los Angeles, CA

 

The 2025 NACEP National Conference—Lights, Camera, Access!— brought more than 20 years of national dual enrollment leadership to center stage in Los Angeles from October 26–28, with UConn playing a consistent and visible role through two decades of sponsorship, volunteering, and presenting. Representing UConn Early College Experience this year were Chrisopher Todd, Office of Early College Programs Executive Director, and Carissa Rutkauskas, UConn ECE Outreach and Evaluation Specialist, who also participated in the pre-conference affiliated chapters meeting as NEACEP secretary alongside colleagues from Maine and Rhode Island to share best practices and strengthen regional connections. Throughout the conference, Carissa attended sessions on AI-supported advising and instruction, redefining student success, evaluating credit transferability, strengthening counselor and coordinator support, and understanding the first year experience of students entering college with dual enrollment credit—gathering insights on responsible AI use, emotional intelligence development, equity-minded program design, and collaborative K–12/postsecondary strategies. In April 2025, Chris accepted an appointment as the Member-At-Large representative on the NACEP Accreditation Commission and was excited to meet in-person with fellow commissioners for the first time. Chris participated in several Accreditation Commission meetings and served as a representative on best-practices panels throughout the conference. As NACEP celebrated 20 years, it was inspirational to see UConn’s role in the inception and growth of NACEP over the years, as the program continues to serve on the national stage as a leading example of best practices.

 

CABE/CAPSS Convention

 

The CABE/CAPSS Convention— hosted annually by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education and the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents—was held November 21–22, 2025, in Mystic, CT, under the theme “Lighting the Way for Student Success.” Representing the Office of Early College Programs, Christopher Todd (OECP Executive Director), Bobbi-Jo Wathan (UConn Pre-College Summer Director), Carissa Rutkauskas (ECE Outreach & Evaluation Specialist), and Erin Blanchette (OECP Billing & Operations Specialist) engaged with attendees, including board of education members, superintendents, educators, and administrators, to share OECP opportunities and strengthen statewide partnerships. OECP is in their 4th year of partnering with CABE/CAPSS. A highlight of the event was the Friday morning keynote by Dr. Miguel Cardona, 12th U.S. Secretary of Education, whose deep Connecticut roots—from his early career as a Meriden teacher and principal to serving as Connecticut’s Education Commissioner and as a proud UConn graduate—resonated strongly with the convention’s focus on advancing student success across the state.

 

Katie Boland Constitution

 

UConn ECE Political Science Instructor Katie Boland, who teaches POLS 1202 – Introduction to Comparative Politics, POLS 1402: Introduction to International Relations, and POLS 1602: Introduction to American Politics, continues to inspire civic learning through her dynamic Constitution Day programming, which she shares annually through her popular YouTube channel to educate not only her own students at Trumbull High School but classrooms across the state. Constitution Day—recognized nationally each September 17 to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787—has become a signature event for Boland’s AP/UConn American Government classes, who celebrate the day by creating schoolwide educational activities and promoting #ConstitutionDay2025. Renowned for her passionate and award-winning approach to civics education, Boland leads Trumbull’s acclaimed “We the People” team, guiding students to multiple state and national honors through simulated constitutional hearings, while her creative teaching methods including her well-known George Washington persona—bring historical concepts to life. A recipient of the American Lawyers Alliance Teacher of the Year award, Boland exemplifies the impact of exceptional UConn ECE instructors by cultivating informed, engaged future citizens through both classroom innovation and her expanding digital constitutional-education outreach.

 

 

UConn ECE Scholarships Expanded

 

UConn Early College Experience is excited to unveil a significant expansion of its student scholarship program, increasing the number of categories from three to six and fully revamping two of the original categories to better reflect the breadth of UConn ECE coursework. All 108 ECE courses now align with one of the six scholarship areas— Humanities, Social Sciences, or Interdisciplinary Studies; Visual, Performing, or Digital Arts; Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics; Professional Careers, Public Service, or Applied Studies; Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; and Agriculture, Health, or Natural Resources—with two scholarships offered in each category, for a total of twelve awards. Each award provides $1,000 to a high achieving senior whose academic interests and accomplishments exemplify excellence within their subject area. This redesigned structure not only broadens opportunities for students but also ensures recognition across the full range of disciplines represented in UConn ECE. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year open January 19, 2026 and close March 9, 2026. For more information, visit ece.uconn.edu/students-parents/student-scholarships/

 

UConn Early College Experience Data Now Included in 2023-24 IPEDs

 

For the first time in its 70-year history, UConn Early College Experience (ECE) data was included in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) with the 2023–24 reporting cycle—a landmark moment for concurrent enrollment nationwide. IPEDS, the federal government’s primary source for higher education data, only recently began capturing dual enrollment in a consistent way, following its major 2022–23 shift to collect a direct national headcount of dual enrollment students. This evolution in federal reporting brings
long-needed visibility to high school students taking college courses—such as UConn ECE students, who are not matriculated—and recognizes the impact of long-standing, high-quality programs like UConn ECE, the nation’s oldest concurrent enrollment program. The inclusion of UConn ECE data in IPEDS also aligns with Connecticut’s advancement in statewide reporting through the newly launched CSDE Dual Credit Dashboard, ensuring that, for the first time, systems outside the university are documenting the full scope of dual credit participation across the state. Together, these tools now capture UConn course-taking across multiple contexts, each in slightly different ways. For data specific solely to the UConn ECE program, the UConn ECE Data Dashboard remains the authoritative source; for exploring the new IPEDS dual enrollment figures, the Community College Research Center (CCRC) Dual Enrollment Dashboard by John Fink offers an excellent resource for examining national trends.

 

 

Faculty Coordinator Morty Ortega featured in UConn Magazine

 

Congratulations to Morty Ortega on his incredible accomplishments featured in the UConn Magazine! His dedication to innovation and excellence continues to make an impact across our community. We’re proud to have Morty serving as a UConn ECE Faculty Coordinator for Natural Resources & the Environment, where he helps ensure the integrity of UConn courses offered in partner high schools and supports the professional development of UConn ECE Instructors.

 

Concurrent Enrollment Review, volume 3

 

The latest edition of Concurrent Enrollment Review is now available.

• Supporting Faculty Liaisons in Concurrent Enrollment Programs |Nicole A. Diederich

• Navigating Dual Worlds: The Complex Experiences of Concurrent Enrollment Instructors | Teri St. Pierre

• Cross-Pollination of Ideas: Exploring the Mental Health Implications of Academic Pressure in Dual Enrollment Programs for Students |Lorenzo Rene

• Early College Program Implementation and Growth: A Collaborative
Initiative by a State University |Olcay Yavuz and Trudy Milburn Concurrent Enrollment Review (CER) is the first independent, open access, peer reviewed journal dedicated to research in the field of dual/concurrent enrollment. surface.syr.edu/cer/

 

 

 2025 Welcome back packages

 

UConn Early College Experience kicked off the 2025–26 academic year by sending “Welcome” and “Welcome Back” packages to more than 200 partner high schools, filled with requested program materials, brochures, marketing items, UConn ECE polo shirts for new instructors and site representatives, and new “School of Distinction” banners. This year’s packages also included special celebratory items: each partner instructor, site representative, principal, and superintendent received a commemorative UConn ECE 70th Anniversary Challenge Coin, featuring our 70-year milestone on one side and an “Established in 1955” emblem on the other recognizing UConn as the nation’s oldest concurrent enrollment program. Included with the coin was a message of gratitude reflecting the spirit of our 70th year: that the program’s longevity and impact are made possible by the dedication of ECE instructors, counselors, administrators, and university faculty who, since 1955, have worked together to expand access and preparation for post-secondary success.

 

UConn ECE also launched a new annual tradition of presenting Top 10 School Banners to schools that ranked highest in one of three categories: (1) Highest Number of Students Enrolled in UConn Courses, (2) Largest Percent Enrollment Increase from the Previous Year, and (3) Highest Percentage of the High School Enrolled in UConn Courses. The 2024 -25 Top 10 schools can be found in the “By the Numbers” feature of our Summer 2025 magazine. We are also pleased to welcome several new partner schools for 2025–26, including ACES at Chase, the American School for the Deaf, Arts at the Capitol Theater Performing Arts Magnet High School, New Milford High School, and Upper School Madina Academy.

 

 

OECP Welcomes Jessica Lynch

 

Jessica Lynch joined Pre-College summer in July of this year. She serves as the Program Coordinator for UConn’s Pre-College Summer Program. Jessica holds a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies from Eastern Connecticut State University. She brings experience in higher education, with a focus on academic advising, student development, and college and career readiness. In addition to her advising roles, she also teaches courses in Public Speaking and College and Career Success, further reinforcing her commitment to early college awareness, access, and student empowerment. Jessica is dedicated to creating inclusive, supportive environments that encourage exploration, growth, and readiness for life beyond high school.

 

 

70 Years, 70 Faces, One UConn ECE Legacy

 

In 2025–26, UConn Early College Experience celebrates 70 years of offering UConn credits to high school students. Now, we want to celebrate you.

 

Were you part of UConn ECE or the High School Co-op Program
as a student?

 

We’re collecting stories for a special anniversary campaign—and we’d love to hear yours!

We’re especially looking for:

• Multi-generational ECE families
• “Full-circle” journeys (former students who became instructors or administrators)
• Notable alumni doing amazing things
• First generation college students
• Students who were greatly impacted taking UConn courses in high school

 

Selected contributors will be featured on UConn ECE social media and in the UConn ECE Magazine as part of our 70 Years,70 Faces campaign.

 

Be one of the 70 Faces who help us honor this legacy.
Share your story and submit here: ece.uconn.edu/about/history/

 

 

Back 5 New Faculty Coordinators

 

Dramatic Arts: Adrienne Macki, Ph.D.

Educational Curriculum and Instruction: Michele Back, Ph.D.

Engineering: Arash Zaghi, Ph.D.

Human Development & Family Sciences: Brian Chapman, Ph.D.

Music: Louis Hanzlik, PhD

Professional Development Workshops

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By Caroline Lynch, UConn ECE Graduate Assistant, Master’s Student, UConn, Higher
Education and Student Affairs

 

It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the end of another semester here at Early College Experience! This Fall has been chock-full of events, including 18 professional development workshops for our ECE Instructors from various disciplines. So far, we’ve been given the opportunity to connect with our Instructors from U.S. History, Philosophy, Chemistry, Business, Chinese, European History, Marine Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Economics, Human Rights, Environmental Sciences, Sociology, Music, English, Human Development and Family Sciences, and Math, as well as holding a Fall training for our ECE Library Media Specialists. Please enjoy a brief overview of some of the professional development highlights from the Fall 2025 semester.

 

 

September 25, 2025: U.S. History Workshop

 

Our first event for the 2025-26 academic year was a virtual session for United States History Instructors, including a keynote address titled “Teaching US History in Our Current Climate: Challenges, Opportunities, and Student Support Strategies.” Fifty-two teachers joined us for this interesting and topical session, and we were excited to kick off the year with such a highly attended event.

October 10, 2025: Business Workshop

 

In early October, we hosted our first-ever ECE Business Workshop, thanks to the efforts of our ECE Business Faculty Coordinator, Associate Professor Vishal Baloria. Eleven Instructors were in attendance for the event, which included several guest addresses. First, Daniel Gilham, Managing Director of Advisor Strategy at Farther financial services firm, facilitated a discussion on wealth management and technology. Next, Francine McKenna, a financial journalist and lecturer at the Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) presented a talk on financial and media literacy. Finally, Ilona Bastiaansen, Assistant Professor of Accountancy from the University of Notre Dame, joined us for a discussion on high school financial education mandates. The biggest highlight of the day was a lively student panel with four undergraduates who had previously been enrolled in Dr. Baloria’s Personal Financial Literacy course. Thank you to Conner, Jack, Kaeleigh, and Maya for their time and insights.

 

 

October 10, 2025: Chinese Workshop

 

Also on October 10th, our ECE Chinese Instructors convened on the UConn Storrs campus for a networking opportunity, as well as several presentations from ECE Instructors and guest faculty who shared teaching strategies and assignment ideas to integrate into their classrooms. First, Amy Watt from Simsbury High School and Shiffon Theodore from Conard High School led the group in a discussion on strategies to improve L2 Chinese reading. Then, Feng Xia from Amity High School executed a presentation on engaging communicative projects in class. Finally, Yang Wang, an Associate Teaching Professor of East Asian Studies from Brown University, presented a digital storytelling project to the
group.

 

October 17, 2025: Mechanical Engineering Workshop

 

Marking another UConn ECE first, our Mechanical Engineering Instructors met on October 17th for a jam-packed professional development experience. Many thanks to our joint Faculty Coordinators, Jorge Paricio Garcia, Ph.D. and Edward Weingart for their collaborative efforts to make this a session to remember! Several guest contributors joined Instructors on campus for a variety of resource demonstrations. First, Nate Delson from Grove Education delivered a demo of Spatial Vis, an engineering education software that helps students improve their 2D and 3D spatial visualization skills via an app on their personal devices. Next, Rachel Gregorio of Tech Ed Solutions provided a demonstration of SolidWorks, an industry-standard engineering technology used in the UConn College of Engineering. The afternoon continued with a field trip to the Krenicki Arts and Engineering Institute, an “innovative, interdisciplinary nexus that offers groundbreaking classes in areas like entertainment engineering and industrial design” that was born out of a collaboration between the College of Engineering and the School of Fine Arts at UConn. Instructors shared lunch in the Institute and then were given the chance to explore the 3D printers at the facility.

 

October 23, 2025: Human Rights Workshop

 

The week of October 23rd, UConn’s Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute hosted their annual summit, entitled “Sport and Human Rights.” UConn ECE Instructors were invited to the second day of the conference, convening on the UConn Storrs campus for a keynote address by Pablo Torre, host of the acclaimed podcast “Pablo Torre Finds Out” and a celebrated sports journalist and human rights advocate. For a full overview of the summit schedule, review the link here: summit.humanrights.uconn.edu/2025-summit/

 

 

November 6, 2025: Environmental Sciences Workshop

 

UConn ECE took a field trip with our Environmental Sciences Instructors on November 6th to the UConn Middlesex County Extension Center in Haddam, CT. Instructors were given lots of time to share resources and build connections with one another, as well as engaging in a keynote address delivered by Dr. Mayra Rodriguez, the UConn Extension Center’s Assistant Extension Educator in Urban and Community Forestry, entitled Building Connections to Urban Forests: Your Teacher’s Toolkit.

 

 

November 7, 2025: Sociology Workshop

 

On Friday, November 7th, our UConn ECE Sociology Instructors met on the UConn Hartford campus for their annual professional development conference. Instructors were given the opportunity to engage in a lively discussion of current successes and challenges in their classrooms, followed by a presentation of exemplar assignments by Instructors Mike Barile (Suffield High School) and Karen Prager (CREC Academy of Aerospace and Engineering), and Faculty Coordinator Dr. Ingrid Semaan. We extend our thanks to our contributors and to Dr. Semaan for her continued efforts to support our UConn ECE Instructors and community.

 

November 21, 2025: Fall English Conference

 

Our largest event this semester was our Fall English Conference, which boasted over 100 attendees from high schools across the state. The theme of this year’s conference was Speaking Together: Discourse as Literacy, and throughout the day Instructors were encouraged to “explore activities and strategies that put students in conversation with each other, hone their critical thinking skills, and build their confidence as consumers and producers of knowledge.” There were several panel sessions throughout the day, which focused on themes including reading and revision, authentic discussion, and multimodality.

 

 

UConn ECE extends our thanks to all our Faculty Coordinators, guest speakers, and attendees for their contributions towards making Fall 2025 such a successful semester. To find more information and photographs from these and the rest of our professional development events, please feel free to visit the “ECE PD Blog” on our website. In the meantime, we are busy gearing up for the Spring, which will be filled with even more engagement opportunities and professional development events. We look forward to seeing many more of our UConn ECE community members very soon.

2025 UConn ECE Cardboard Boat Race

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By Jessica Dunn

Photos by Gordon Daigle and Michael Illuzzi

 

On September 19th, UConn ECE hosted the annual Avery Point Cardboard Boat Race with the thrilling theme “You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat,” celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jaws. This year’s challenge invited students to channel their creativity and engineering skills into crafting cardboard and duct tape vessels that could float and hopefully survive the waves! The event drew 17 high schools from across the state, with 31 boats competing and more than 450 participants cheering from the shoreline.

 

From sleek speedboats to jaw-dropping shark themed designs, the ingenuity on display was nothing short of impressive. Adding to the excitement, Jonathan XV made a special appearance, bringing school spirit and plenty of photo opportunities. The race was filled with suspense, laughter, and unforgettable moments as students tested their designs against the elements. Beyond the fun and the academic morning sessions with esteemed UConn Avery Point Faculty and Graduate Students, the event highlighted teamwork, problem-solving, and the vibrant community that UConn ECE fosters among partner schools. Want to experience for the first time or relive the excitement of the boat race?

 

 

Thank You to our Participating High Schools

• Bethel High School
• Branford High School
• Bridgeport Aquaculture

• Daniel Hand High School

• East Granby High School
• Ellington High School
• Emmett O’Brien Technical High School
• Franklin Academy
• Holy Cross High School
• Ledyard High School
• Manchester High School
• The Sound School
• Stratford High School
• Terryville High School
• The Morgan School
• University High School
• Waterford High School

 

Heat 1 Trophies

#1 Waterford High School – Bruce 2

#2 Ellington High School – Silver Bullet
#3 BRASTEC – Bruce

Heat 2 Trophies

#1 Holy Cross High School – Totally Jawsome

#2 The Morgan School – Finley
#3 University High School – Meg-a-lodon

Heat 3 Trophies

#1 Bethel High School – We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat
#2 Waterford High School – Amityville Tourist
#3 Ellington High School – Barknado

Heat 4 Trophies

#1 Waterford High School – Sharky
#2 Ledyard High School – The Fin-isher#3 Bethel High School – Bruce

Championship Race

Holy Cross High School – Totally Jawsome

 

 

Best Visual Design Award: The Morgan School (Finley)

 

Best Boat Name Award: Manchester High School (The Pawseidon Adventure)

 

Interdisciplinary Collaboration Award: East Granby High School (Chum Runner)

 

People’s Choice Award: University High School (Meg-a-lodon)

 

 

 

Scan QR code to view

the “Ellington Armada – Keeping Knowledge Affloat” video

Neag School Hosts Second Annual ECE Day for High School Students

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By Mikala Kane, Director of Communications & Digital Strategy, UConn Neag School of Education
Photos by Gordon Daigle and Michael Illuzzi

 

EDCI 1100, EPSY 1100, and EDLR 2001 students visit Storrs to learn more about UConn and potential careers

 

On October 24, the UConn Neag School of Education hosted its second annual Early College Experience Day for high schoolers participating in its Early College Experience course offerings. Over 110 students from eight schools spent the morning in Storrs, learning more about UConn, the Neag School, and potential careers in education and sport management.

 

“In 2024-2025, our ECE courses provided the opportunity to earn college credits to 924 highschoolers in 45 schools,” Dean Jason G. Irizarry says. “That is a significant increase from only 201 students in five districts in 2021-2022, when we piloted our courses. Offering this opportunity for high school students to learn more about higher education, as well as future career paths, is central to our goal of improving access to education.”

 

Irizarry began the day’s activities by welcoming students and teachers from Bridgeport, Burlington, Enfield, Milford, Simsbury, and Waterford. All either teach or take EDCI 1100: If You Love It, Teach It; EDLR 2001: Contemporary Issues in Sport; or EPSY 1100: Introduction to Special Education

 

The group then heard an overview of the Neag School from ECE Faculty Coordinators and professors, as well as Assistant Professor-in-Residence Danielle DeRosa and Assistant Dean and Certification Officer Ann Traynor.

 

“Supporting a vibrant ECE portfolio is a priority of the Neag School and the Sport Management Program,” says DeRosa, who is also one of the Neag School’s ECE Faculty Coordinators. “It allows high school students to earn UConn credit and experience the rigor of our courses. This experience helps to facilitate college readiness and prepare students for the student success journey.

 

Around midmorning, students enjoyed tours of campus and the athletics facilities before attending sessions specific to their classes. Those enrolled in EDCI or EPSY courses attended a panel moderated by Director of Teacher Education Alyssa Hadley Dunn and hosted by current Neag School students, who offered insights about the Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s Teacher Education Program. The high schoolers enrolled in EDLR 2001 attended the Business, Sport and Human Rights panel at UConn’s Dodd Human Rights Summit, which was dedicated to Sport and Human Rights this year.

 

“Visiting UConn for my ECE class was a valuable experience,” says Marek Nardi, a student from Lewis S. Mills High School in Burlington. “Seeing the campus, meeting faculty, and learning how college courses operate gave me a clearer understanding of what academic life looks like and what standards I should aim for going forward.”

 

“Being able to take my students to UConn Storrs is an incredible experience,” says Erik McKay, an educator from Lewis S. Mills High School. “UConn is providing insight into what college looks, sounds, and feels like. There are many intangible experiences my students get from being on campus, seeing the athletic facilities and classrooms, and meeting and working with the UConn faculty.

 

Overall, it is a great day for all educational stakeholders involved, and I look forward to doing it again in the future.”

 

• Bristol Eastern High School

• Capital Prep Harbor School
• Enfield High School
• Jonathan Law High School
• Joseph A Foran High School
• Lewis S. Mills High School
• The Ethel Walker School
• Waterford High School

2025 UConn ECE Italian Immersion Day & Quiz Bowl

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By Jessica Dunn

Photos by Gordon Daigle and Michael Illuzzi

 

On October 23rd, UConn proudly hosted its fourth Italian Immersion Day & Quiz Bowl, bringing together talented students for a day of language, culture, and spirited competition. After an exciting series of rounds in the afternoon Quiz Bowl, we congratulate this year’s trophy winners:

 

 

First Place: Holy Cross High School

Second Place: Bristol Central High School
Third Place: Newington High School

 

This event continues to celebrate the richness of Italian language and culture while fostering collaboration and academic excellence among our ECE partner schools. Grazie to all who participated. We can’t wait to see you next year!

 

 

A special shout-out goes to our 2025 MVP, Luis of Plainville High School, who achieved an incredible back-to-back win after earning MVP last year as well!

 

 

• Bristol Central High School

• Holy Cross High School
• Newington High School

• Plainville High School
• Torrington High School

2025 UConn ECE French Immersion Day and Quiz Bowl

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By Jessica Dunn Photos by Gordon Daigle and Michael Illuzzi

 

On November 20th, eight high schools joined UConn for the annual French Immersion Day and Quiz Bowl, bringing together about 100 student participants from across Connecticut. The day was filled with interactive language activities, cultural experiences, and spirited competition during the afternoon Quiz Bowl.

 

This year’s winners were:

First Place: Wilton High School

Second Place: Lewis S. Mills High School
Third Place: Bristol Eastern High School

 

One UConn French Instructor summed up the spirit of the event: “Merci, everyone, for another fun, memorable, and experience-packed day for our students. I always look forward to this event because I love hearing my students talk afterward about their immersive learning experiences and getting a ‘taste’ of what lies beyond high school.” The UConn Faculty Coordinator praised the Teaching Assistants for their creativity and dedication, noting that they planned and delivered outstanding lesson plans that made the day engaging and educational for all.

 

 

• Bristol Eastern High School
• Cheshire High School

• Coventry High School

• Daniel Hand High School
• Granby Memorial High School
• Lewis S. Mills High School
• RHAM High School
• Wilton High School

 

 

Anthropology Class Visit

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By Jessica Dunn

 

On November 14th, Jeremy Pilver from Farmington High School along with 16 enthusiastic UConn ECE ANTH1500: Great Discoveries in Archeology students, visited the UConn Storrs Campus for an unforgettable day of hands-on discovery.

 

The group explored archaeology and ancient lifeways through three dynamic workshops. Under the guidance of Dr. Daniel Adler, students experimented with stone tool technology, learning how early humans shaped tools for survival. They then delved into ancient plant use and food practices with UConn ECE Anthropology Faculty Coordinator Alexia Smith, uncovering how agriculture transformed societies. Finally, with Sophia De Schiffart, they examined ancient animal use, gaining insight into the critical role animals played in past cultures.

 

From shaping stone tools to exploring ancient diets and animal lifeways, the experience gave students a rare chance to step into the shoes of archaeologists and uncover the secrets of the past. Guided by UConn experts, they didn’t just learn, they experienced archaeology in action!