ECE

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!

U.S. History Class Visit

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By Rachel Riendeau,
UConn U.S. History ECE Instructor

 

On November 20th, sixteen UConn ECE U.S. History students from Windham Technical High School visited the UConn Storrs campus to carry out historical research at the Dodd Archives and Babbidge Library. They were also able to attend a campus tour and meet with a current UConn student/ alumna from their school to discuss the transition to college.

108 Courses, 48 Disciplines, 1 Expanded Legacy

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By Christopher Todd

 

Partnering with school districts, to meet the needs of educators and students across the state, continues to be a founding tenant of all programming within the Office of Early College Programs. The UConn Early College Experience (ECE) program continues to broaden access to rigorous, college coursework, strengthening pathways into meaningful careers and expanding opportunities in key academic and professional fields.

 

New offerings such as ARE 1110E: Population, Food, and the Environment introduces students to real-world economic and environmental challenges related to food systems and resource use, supporting career interests in sustainability, agribusiness, and public policy. In the sciences, CHEM 1124Q & CHEM 1125Q: Fundamentals of General Chemistry I & II provide foundational chemistry knowledge essential for advanced study in health sciences, engineering, and research-based careers. These courses support students preparing for majors in chemistry, pharmacy, biology, and related STEM areas by delivering college-level laboratory and quantitative experience while still in high school.

 

The arts, engineering, and professional skill development are further enriched through courses like DRAM 1101: Introduction to Theatre and DRAM 3141: Playwriting and Workshop, which nurture creativity, communication, and critical thinking—skills valuable across creative industries and collaborative work environments. On the engineering front, ENGR 1195: Special Topics in Engineering: AI Literacy (AI for All) immerses students in contemporary technological literacy, preparing them for careers at the intersection of computing, design, and innovation, while ME 2140: Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing offers hands-on experience with SolidWorks/CAD and design tools relevant to manufacturing and product development. In the health professions, PHAR 1002: Fundamentals of Pharmacology and PHRX 3057: Discovering the Leader Within build foundational scientific understanding and professional leadership skills, supporting future pathways in pharmacy, medicine, and allied health.

 

Complementing these discipline-specific offerings, UNIV 1820: First Year Seminar – Intro to Making engages students in creative problem solving foundational to maker and design thinking, supporting a successful transition to college-level learning while encouraging innovation across academic and career interests. Together, these courses reflect UConn ECE’s continued commitment to broadening access, expanding opportunity, and preparing students for future success in high-demand fields.

 

As a result, the program continues to expand access to high-quality, college coursework that strengthens career pathways and supports student exploration across multiple career pathways including but not limited to education, health sciences, engineering, and STEM fields.

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.

 

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 Christopher 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 asNEACEP 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. Read the entire article in the UConn Magazine.

 

 

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 afocus 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/

 

 

ECE Welcomes/ Welcomes 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

Eclipses

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By Jessica Dunn

Map by Carissa Rutkauskas

 

This map of Connecticut highlights the high schools that participated in UConn ECE student events during the Fall 2025 semester. Each marker represents a school that sent students to a specific event, providing a visual representation of regional participation across the state. The map also reflects the diverse range of schools involved, from urban centers to rural areas, illustrating the broad engagement in these student events offered so far this year. The widespread participation is a testament to the dedication of UConn ECE Instructors and Students and their commitment to excellence and growth. We look forward to expanding our reach and encourage all high schools to take advantage of the valuable opportunities available to students across various disciplines.

 

 

UConn Pre-College Summer

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By Briana Ried-Maloney, UConn PCS Graduate Assistant, HESA Master’s Student

 

UConn Pre-College Summer 2026 Applications Now Open with Expanded Opportunities

UConn Pre-College Summer (PCS) is a summer academic program for high school students that provides an early introduction to college-level learning and life. Through immersive coursework and structured programming, students explore academic interests, engage with UConn faculty, and gain firsthand experience navigating college academics and campus life, leaving with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of the transition to college.

Expanding to the Hartford Campus!

Aligned with UConn’s “One UConn” vision, the Pre-College Summer program has expanded its presence in Hartford. The Hartford site will highlight the great academic programs in Hartford by offering courses in:
• Social Work
• Public Policy: Public Service for the Greater Good
• Nursing: Early Introduction to the Nursing Program
The Hartford session will not be residential and is best suited for students who desire an immersive experience, but don’t want to be away from home. The program will support local students with CT Transit bus passes to facilitate easier access to campus. In addition, the Hartford program will host a Family Engagement Night to support families. We are partnering with the Hartford Public Library to support workshops designed to promote college & career readiness and whole-student growth through collaborative learning in the community.

New Courses @ Storrs

Our programing at the Storrs campus continues to be a residential, immersive learning experience for students age 14-17 years old. Pre-College Summer 2026 also expands its academic offerings at the Storrs campus to include several new courses that reflect diverse interests and emerging fields. New courses for the summer session include:

  • Accounting
  • Early Introduction to the Nursing Profession
  • CHEM 1194: The Science of Chemistry (1 credit)
  • 3D Modeling and Printing: Bringing Ideas to Reality
  • Design & Hype: Creative Advertising for the Digital Age
  • Equine Science: Health, Management & Rehabilitation
  • The Calling to Teach
  • Exploring a Career in Sport Management

Updated Workshops

In addition to academics, the program has redeveloped its workshop model to emphasize structured learning experiences to support postsecondary goals and transitions. Students will participate in workshops focused on college and career development, leadership and personal development, and academic skills development, equipping them with tools that extend beyond the classroom. This portion of our program mimics the university’s First Year Seminar course, preparing them for the soft skills needed for success in college.

Scholarships!

Applications for UConn Pre-College Summer 2026 are now open for high school students! Centering accessibility for a broader range of participants, we are offering 2 different scholarships:

 

LIFETIME TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION ACCESS

There are two levels of this scholarship, Blue and Gray, 10 scholarships available at each level. Scholarships are competitive and require an additional essay and recommendation from a school counselor, teacher, or mentor. Students who qualify are encouraged to apply within the application.

Grey Scholarship:

  • Discounted tuition rate: $1175 (50% discount)
  • Families making less than $100k/annually

Blue Scholarship:

  • Discounted tuition rate: $300 (87% discount)
  • Families making less than $80k/annually

 

CLIMATE SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship offers full tuition coverage for 5 participants who are taking the Climate Science course. These scholarships are competitive and require that students apply when they submit their application to our program. scholarships, stay updated on any new scholarships on our website, pcs.uconn.edu.

We can’t wait to see your students this summer!

With expanded scholarships, new academic pathways, and increased investment in structured student development and community partnerships, UConn Pre-College Summer 2026 offers high school students meaningful preparation for future academic and career pathways. For more information and to apply, visit the UConn Pre-College Summer website, pcs.uconn.edu!

Eclipses

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By Alina Britchi

 

Alina Britchi is a UConn ECE Instructor certified to teach PHYS1201Q: General Physics I, PHYS1202Q: General Physics II, PHYS1401Q: General Physics with Calculus I, and PHYS1402Q: General Physics with Calculus II.

 

Many call a total solar eclipse a “once-in-a-lifetime” event but most people who see one often want more. I’m one of them. I experienced my first totality in 1999 in Romania. A special banknote was printed to celebrate the event. I still remember the awe like it was yesterday: sudden darkness, wind, birds flying all over, crowd growing louder, and then… the Sun’s corona! What a beauty! Two unforgettable minutes of totality ended in a blink of an eye.

 

Fast forward a decade and a half later, I live in the U.S. Year 2016 brings chatter of not one, but two Great American Eclipses heading our way: 2017 and 2024. And now the knowledge that solar eclipses are not very rare, but totality is happening over populated areas. In 2017 I would have only seen a partial solar eclipse, but now a new idea: I could travel to see totality. And that’s how I became an eclipse chaser. Like sunsets, no two eclipses are identical. I’ve seen three and plan to see more.

 

My second eclipse, the 2017 one, became a shared obsession. My husband had never seen one. As we were in Utah for an unrelated event, we drove four hours to Idaho to experience the totality. This time, in an open field, made the Moon shadow traveling in front of our eyes very obvious. With few people around, the celestial show was humbling. We learned to photograph the partiality with simple gear; eclipse glasses over the lens of a simple Canon camera. And thus, our first solar eclipse collage was born.

 

And now we are set for the 2024 American eclipse and booked a hotel a year ahead. I wore eclipse-themed shirts for months and organized a school photo contest. We chose Niagara Falls but clouds limited us to a mere 10 seconds of totality. We hoped for 4 minutes, but now we focused on different things: the light shifting from day to night and back to day over the falls was worth it.

 

Upcoming opportunities include 2025 (Spain, Greenland, Iceland), 2026 (Spain, Middle East), and 2028 and 2030 in Australia.

 

If you’ve never seen a total solar eclipse, consider traveling to one, you will never regret seeing the Sun’s corona and the magic of totality.