ECE

2025 Celebrating Excellence: UConn ECE Professional Recognition Awards

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By Jessica Dunn

 

On April 24, 2025, the UConn Early College Experience community gathered at the UConn Alumni Center in Storrs to celebrate the exceptional educators and administrators who have gone above and beyond in their roles as UConn ECE partners. The 2025 Professional Recognition Awards Ceremony honored individuals whose dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on students and the broader ECE community.

 

The event opened with remarks from Christopher Todd, Executive Director of the Office of Early College Programs (OECP), and Dr. Tadarrayl Starke, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Student Success. Representing UConn’s senior administration, Dr. Starke delivered a warm welcome and expressed deep appreciation for the critical role UConn ECE instructors and administrators play in promoting student success at the high school level, while laying a strong foundation for future academic achievement.

 

The evening featured heartfelt speeches, meaningful reflections, and joyful celebration as twelve professionals were recognized with the 2024–2025 Professional Recognition Awards. In addition, four long-standing partners received the prestigious Silver Jubilee Award, commemorating 25 years of service and partnership with UConn ECE.

 

Each award recipient was nominated by colleagues, students, administrators, or UConn faculty, and selected for their exemplary instruction, leadership, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Their efforts consistently surpass program expectations, empowering students to thrive and preparing them for success in college and beyond.

 

Congratulations to all recipients of this year’s awards. Your dedication, leadership, and commitment continue to set the standard for excellence within the UConn ECE community. The UConn Early College Experience program is stronger and more impactful because of your contributions, and we are sincerely grateful for all you do.

 

Thomas E. Recchio Faculty Coordinator Award for Academic Leadership
Fatma Selampinar, Chemistry— University of Connecticut

 

Principal Award for Program Support & Advocacy
John Harris, Naugatuck High School

 

Site Representative Award for Excellence in Program Administration
Stephani Jones, Norwich Free Academy

 

Instructor Award for Excellence in Course Instruction
David Brewer, Physics— Bristol Central High School
Paul Courtois, American Studies — Rockville High School
Lisa Gardner, English— East Haven High School
Alexa Rea Kydd, English — East Lyme High School
Concetta Scarfone, Italian Literature & Cultural Studies
— Holy Cross High School
Thomas Young, Statistics — The Woodstock Academy

 

“Rookie of the Year” Award for Excellence in First-Year Course Instruction
Mathew Apgar, Physics — Fairfield Warde High School
Brendan Giolitto, English — Staples High School

 

Library Media Specialist Awards for Excellence in Enrichment & Collaboration
Kristie Kriss — Norwich Free Academy

Silver Jubilee Award
Barbara Dougan, Spanish — Glastonbury High School
James Doyle, Mathematics — Hall High School
Douglas Hutton, Physics — Glastonbury High School
Albert Wallace, Physics — St. Paul Catholic High School

New Faculty Coordinators

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By Carissa Rutkauskas

 

Faculty Coordinators are the essential academic bridge between UConn and our high school partner sites, upholding the standards and integrity of UConn Early College Experience. As UConn professors, they bring their disciplinary expertise and departmental values directly to UConn ECE Instructors by reviewing certification applications, leading professional development, visiting classrooms, and ensuring that each course mirrors its on-campus equivalent. Their work helps maintain academic comparability while cultivating strong collegial relationships with instructors across Connecticut. While some Faculty Coordinators serve for just a few years, others have dedicated decades to this role, shaping the quality and consistency of UConn ECE. With ongoing growth in program offerings and departmental shifts, we are proud to welcome our newest Faculty Coordinators and thank all who serve for their commitment to academic excellence. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Gustavo Nanclares (Spanish), Laurie Wolfley (American Studies and Maritime Studies), and Matthew McKenzie (American Studies) for their years of dedicated service in the role of Faculty Coordinator, as they leave their position as Faculty Coordinator with UConn ECE.

Agricultural and Resource Economics

Emma Bojinova, Ph.D.

American Sign Language

Linda Pelletier, Ph.D.

American Studies

Karon McGovern

Business

Vishal Baloria, Ph.D.

Civil Engineering

Sarira Motaref, P.E.

Maritime Studies

Matthew Cieslowski

Mathematics

Andrew Jaramillo, Ph.D.
(Assistant to the Faculty Coordinator)

Mechanical Engineering

Jorge Paricio Garcia, Ph.D.
(SolidWorks)

Edward Weingart
(AutoCAD)

Introduction to Academic Writing (ENGL 1004)

Tom Doran, Ph.D.
(Assistant Faculty Coordinator)

Writing Center (ENGL 3082)

Tom Deans, Ph.D.

Kinesiology

Allison MacKenzie

Nutritional Sciences

Molika Chea, Ph.D.

Pharmacy

Charles White, Pharm.D.

Public Health

David Gregorio, Ph.D.

Spanish

Eduardo Urios-Aparisi, Ph.D.

University – Intro to Making

Cody Ryan

Rights and Responsibilities in History

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Connecticut History Day Scholars Descend on Storrs

 

The University of Connecticut and the Office of Early College Programs is proud to support Connecticut History Day (CHD), an enriching program that empowers students to explore the past through in-depth research and critical thinking. This year’s theme, “Rights & Responsibilities in History”, resonates deeply with UConn’s mission to cultivate an informed, engaged citizenry committed to upholding democratic values. By encouraging students to investigate the historical struggles for rights and the responsibilities that accompany them, UConn and Connecticut History Day together help nurture the next generation of civic-minded leaders ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.

 

On Saturday, March 29th, UConn Storrs hosted 25 schools comprised of 29 educators and 468 students for the Mansfield Regional Connecticut History Day Contest. In total, 4,106 students participated in Connecticut History Day contests this year, with the State Contest held at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) on Saturday, May 3rd.

 

Cyndee McManaman, the Mansfield Regional Coordinator, wrote: “While we have quite the growing library of resources on the CHD website, the workshops are a powerful tool to support our educators and students. It’s so exciting for me to travel to different classrooms and work with our History Day participants! Seeing history through the eyes of our students, and understanding their passion for what they’ve learned, is inspiring!”

 

Several Mansfield Region students received awards or recognition at the National History Day Contest held at the University of
Maryland-College Park June 9-13, 2025.

 

MEDALS
Seniors Amanda Zadnik and Simonne Thibeault (E.O. Smith High School) finished third in Senior Group Exhibit, “Rewarded by Death: How Operation Columba Exemplifies the Rights and Responsibilities of Civilians in Wartime”

 

SPECIAL PRIZES
Julianne Pashe and Katie Smith (Ellington Middle School) received the World War II History Prize for their Junior Group Exhibit “Civilian Public Service Camps: The Compromise between Personal Rights and National Responsibility”

 

Vivaan Pandey and Vyom Kadegaonkar (Timothy Edwards Middle School) received the George Washington Leadership in History Award for their Junior Group Documentary, “Shays’ Rebellion: The Uprising that Shaped a Nation”

 

AWARDS
Bhaavni Kirshna (South Windsor High School) was awarded the Outstanding CT Award (Senior Division), finishing 7th place overall with her Senior Individual Performance “Noor Inayat Khan: A Responsibility to Resist”

 

FINALISTS
Lillian Magnoli (Timothy Edwards Middle School) 4th place Junior Paper, “Don’t Call Her a Business Woman; Call Her a Woman in Business; Beatrice Fox Auerbach’s Pioneering View of Rights and Responsibilities in History”

 

Emma Hennessey, Emma O’Brien and Lily Flynn (Timothy Edwards Middle School) 10th place Junior Group Performance, “The Abolitionist Who Never Stopped Writing: The Liberator’s Fight for Anti-Slavery”

 

Aarna Jaggi (Timothy Edwards Middle School) 10th place Junior Individual Website, “A Line in the Sand, A River of Blood: The Partition that Stole Millions of Rights”

 

Salma Hassan and Sohyla Hassan (Madina Academy) 9th Place Junior Group Website, “Luminous Lives, Remarkable Legacy: The Radium Girls’ Fight for Workplace Rights and Employer Responsibilities”

 

Salma Mahmoud, Sidra Bedir, Tasneem Zoghol and Zainah Khaliq (Madina Academy) 9th place Senior Group Performance “Nellie Bly, Asylum Spy: Exposing the Abuse of Patient Rights and Neglect of Medical Responsibilities”

 

Faqiha Faheem, Noora Mahmoud and Sarah Elsherbini (Madina Academy) 9th place Senior Group Website “The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire: From Tragedy to Reform”

 

HONORABLE MENTION (Top 20)
Kalyani Tihaiya and Mia Chen (E. O. Smith High School) Senior Group Performance “From California’s Campuses to Communities: Asian Student Activists’ Fight for Inclusivity”

 

Jacob Brown (Rockville High School) Senior Individual
Exhibit “Sheff v. O’Neill: Equal Education in Connecticut”

 

Noor Hassan (Madina Academy) Senior Individual Website “Rights Denied, Responsibilities Betrayed: The Veiled Injustice of the Untreated Syphilis Study”

 

It is important to remember that the National History Day is not just a day, but an experience. Once students met with judges, they enjoyed a myriad of activities ranging from button trading to an Ice Cream Social and a day spent in Washington D.C. where the group met Senators Blumenthal and Murphy and toured the Capitol. Avner Wilson-Spiro from Wilton High School was one of only ten students invited to participate in the prestigious writers workshop at the White House. Jacob Brown from Rockville High School represented CT with his exhibit on Sheff v. O’Neill at the National Museum of American History as part of a daylong display of 47 History Day projects.

Recognizing the 2024-2025 UConn ECE Student Scholarship Winners

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By Jessica Dunn

 

The UConn Early College Experience (ECE) Office is proud to announce the seven exceptional recipients of the 2024–2025 UConn ECE Student Scholarships. Following a highly competitive and rigorous review process, these outstanding high school seniors were selected for their academic excellence, thoughtful project submissions, and future aspirations.

 

Each recipient has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship, applicable to any institution of higher education. To be eligible, students must have successfully completed at least one UConn ECE course and demonstrated a strong commitment to academic growth.

 

We congratulate the 2024–2025 scholarship winners and commend them for their achievements and dedication to learning. Their accomplishments reflect the values and academic standards of the UConn ECE program, and we look forward to seeing their continued success in the future.

 

Excellence in the Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences

 

Winners demonstrate academic achievement and a potential for future academic and professional accomplishments in a field focusing on the Arts, Humanities, and/or Social Sciences.

 

MACIE BRAZAL, East Hampton High School

 

JASMIN GARCIA-CORONAD, Crosby High School

 

Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

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

 

MADELYN SYME, South Windsor High School

 

SUJAY CHAVA, Academy of Aerospace and Engineering

 

RANIAH IMRAN, Academy of Information Technology & Engineering

 

Excellence in Civic and Community Engagement

 

Winners demonstrate academic achievement and already making a positive difference in their town or neighborhood and are inspiring others to do the same. The students chosen for this award are UConn ECE Students who demonstrate ambition and self-drive evidenced by outstanding achievement in both school and their community.

 

MEERA KANNAN, South Windsor High School

 

OLIVIA NOWAK, Farmington High School

 

Check out the Scholarship Winners video

UConn Italian Multimedia Competition

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By Jessica Dunn

May 2025

 

The 2025 UConn Early College Experience Italian Multimedia Competition brought Italian language learning to life through creativity, culture, and connection. Now in its second year, the contest—led by UConn ECE Italian Faculty Coordinator, Dr. Tina Chiappetta Miller—invited students to explore the theme “Il linguaggio…della natura” (The Language of… Nature) through original multimedia projects combining images, words, and sound.

 

More than just a language showcase, the competition encouraged students to think artistically and globally. Nearly 30 diverse and imaginative entries were submitted, ranging from poetic video essays to narrated animations and soundscapes inspired by the natural world.

 

For the second consecutive year, the judging panel was composed of 9th-grade students from Florence’s Istituto Agrario (Agricultural Institute). With thoughtfulness and care, they evaluated the submissions and selected the winners. Their final selections were shared in a special video presentation by jury representatives Lapo, Ettore, and Lorenzo, adding a personal and international dimension to the event.

 

The competition reflects the mission of UConn Italian and UConn ECE—to make language learning meaningful, immersive, and creative. By blending digital tools with cultural expression, students not only practiced Italian but brought it to life in new and powerful ways.

 

As this year’s entries show, Italian is more than a subject—it’s a living, expressive language. Through “Il linguaggio…della natura,” students gave voice to both language and nature, reminding us of the beauty that emerges when the two meet. Congratulations to all participants and winners!  Italian Multimedia Competition

Stakeholder Appreciation 2025

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By Carissa Rutkauskas

 

As part of our annual stakeholder appreciation efforts, the UConn Early College Experience program proudly recognized the invaluable contributions of school counselors, teachers, and principals who support and champion UConn ECE at their high schools. In celebration of National School Counseling Week (February), Teacher Appreciation Week (May), and Principal Appreciation Week (May), we honored those who go above and beyond to ensure student success within the program. For the first time, we launched School Counselor Appreciation Week to spotlight both our Site Representatives and the broader counseling staff who guide students through course selection and enrollment in UConn ECE. During Teacher Appreciation Week—now in its second year—we celebrated instructors who bring UConn courses to life in high school classrooms with passion and dedication. Principal Appreciation Week, also newly introduced this year, acknowledged school leaders who create a supportive environment that allows the program to thrive. This year, we received an overwhelming 300+ nominations for instructors, 132 for school counselors, and 16 for principals—each submission filled with gratitude and admiration for these outstanding educators and leaders. Selected recipients—defined by receiving two or more nominations in the counselor and teacher categories— were awarded UConn ECE merchandise of their choice, a printed poster featuring heartfelt quotes from nominators, and recognition on our social media platforms. These recognitions underscore the collaborative spirit and dedication of educators and administrators who help shape meaningful academic opportunities for students through UConn ECE. Below are some of the more powerful quotes from nominators:

 

Principal Appreciation

Mr. Kuckel, Cromwell High School

 

• Principal Kuckel’s consistent message to students, families, and staff is that dual enrollment courses help students prepare for college and their future careers. He has increased our ECE student enrollment and course offerings during his administration by adding five new courses.

 

• Principal Kuckel is always promoting awareness about the value and accessibility of these courses in a variety of ways. He thinks about all of our students and understands the value for every student tohave college exposure in addition to earning credits. His availability, flexibility and unconditional support is appreciated by our instructors, our students, and myself! – Alicia Melillo, UConn ECE Site Representative, Cromwell High School

 

School Counselor Appreciation

• Danielle Jurkiewicz, Fairfield Warde High School

Mrs. J, my school counselor, played a pivotal role in my success by helping me stay focused on my path toward my early childhood education major at UConn. She worked with me to plan my senior schedule, supported my decision to take the ECE course, and reassured me when I doubted myself— and now I’m excelling in the class, grateful for her encouragement to follow my passion. – Saylor, UConn ECE Student

 

• Janine Murdy, Woodland Regional High School
Mrs. Murdy is a UConn alum who continually promotes ECE programs to our students. She starts promoting these programs when we register students in 8th grade and continues to challenge students to enroll in challenging courses throughout their high school years. – Principal Mulligan, Woodland Regional High School

 

• Kate Kopylec, UConn ECE Site Representative; Lyman Hall High School
Throughout the UConn ECE experience, Mrs. Kopylec has provided clear information on what ECE classes are, deadlines and requirements for registering (also visiting all ECE classes to assist in the registration process), and scholarship information. Her support has made my (and others) ECE experience less stressful/overwhelming. – Anonymous UConn ECE Student

 

Instructor Appreciation

• Monika Fryc-Gabrys, Woodland Regional High School, MATH 1131Q: Calculus I
Monika inspires her students daily. She advises the Math Team and has generated huge participation in the Team… Recently she led a 14-hour math challenge at school and took students to a Jumanji math challenge… Her students have given such positive feedback on the UConn ECE exit survey. She has high standards and her students meet with great success. She continues to get letters from her former students thanking her! She is a true gem! – Andrea Gaetano, Math Department Chairperson

 

• Mr. Dalidowitz, Crosby High School, SOCI 1001: Introduction to Sociology; HRTS 1007: Introduction to Human Rights; & HRTS 2200: Introduction to Genocide Studies
My UConn ECE Instructor is awesome because they challenge us to think critically, push us beyond high school expectations, and genuinely care about our success. Their passion for teaching and real-world insights make learning both engaging and impactful! – Jasmine, UConn ECE Student

 

• Dr. Rabinsky-Ankrom, Robert E. Fitch High School, ASLN 1102: Elementary American Sign Language II
Dr. RA is a teacher every student wishes they had. She truly connects with each and every one of her students and pushes us to be ourselves while also learning a language that brings people together… I can confidently say that she has made a big impact on my life. – Anonymous UConn ECE Student

 

• Mrs. Norige, Torrington High School, SPSS 3230: Biotechnology- Science, Application, Impact, Perception; BIOL 1107: Principles of Biology I; & BIOL 1108: Principles of Biology II
Mrs. Norige always promotes classes to students who are interested and has pushed to make UConn courses available for all incoming interested students. – Anonymous UConn ECE Student

 

• Mr. Brewer, Bristol Central High School, PHYS 1201Q: General Physics I & PHYS 1202Q: General Physics II
Mr. Brewer pours his heart out into teaching us physics and makes it extremely fun to learn about. He spends countless hours making sure each and every student understands what they are doing and enjoys their time in physics and is all around a fantastic teacher. – Amber, UConn ECE Student

UConn ECE MELD

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By Dr. Michael Kienzler, Assistant Professor UConn Chemistry

Dr. Fatma Selampinar UConn ECE Faculty Coordinator for Chemistry, Associate Professor in-Residence UConn Chemistry

 

More than 240 students from 12 high schools—Rocky Hill High School, O.H. Platt High School, Enfield High School, Berlin High School, The Woodstock Academy, University High School of Science and Engineering, Jonathan Law High School, Joseph A. Foran High School, Daniel Hand High School, Bristol Eastern High School, Academy of Information Technology & Engineering, and Lewis S. Mills High School—across Connecticut gathered at the University of Connecticut’s Chemistry Building for the annual ECE Chemistry Lab Day. Held over two sessions on May 20 and May 22, 2025, the event provided students with immersive, hands-on laboratory experiences that offered exposure to UConn lab environments and research practices.

 

The MELD (May ECE Lab Day) event was coordinated by the UConn Early College Experience Program Office and Dr. Fatma Selampinar, Professor in Residence and UConn ECE Chemistry Faculty Coordinator. Science activities were hosted by Assistant Professor Dr. Michael Kienzler. Following Dr. Kienzler’s presentation, students transitioned to six undergraduate teaching laboratories, where they conducted a series of experiments designed by Dr. Kienzler. These sessions were supervised by graduate students, providing participants with hands-on experience in a collegiate laboratory setting. This collaborative effort offered high school students an immersive introduction to advanced chemical research and methodologies, fostering early engagement with the scientific community at UConn. Students synthesized three different derivatives of the dye azobenzene, a compound known for its photoswitching properties—changing structure when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. The students then investigated the properties of the azobenzene they made using ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy and thin-layer chromatography. These experiments mirror ongoing research going on in Dr. Kienzler’s lab.

 

Beyond the laboratory work, participants engaged with UConn’s advanced scientific equipment. Dr. Selampinar coordinated sessions introducing students to Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, while graduate students provided insights into mass spectrometry techniques. These experiences aim to familiarize students with tools and methodologies prevalent in modern chemical research. The UConn ECE Chemistry Lab Day not only enriches students’ understanding of chemistry but also fosters connections between high school students and UConn faculty and graduate students. Such initiatives underscore the UConn ECE and Chemistry Department’s commitment to bridging secondary education with higher learning, inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Exploring the Depths: UConn ECE Marine Science Symposium Showcases Student Research

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By Jessica Dunn

May 22 & 28, 2025

 

The 2025 UConn Early College Experience Marine Science Symposium made waves this spring at the UConn Avery Point Campus. With growing interest and over 175 student participants, the event expanded to two dates—May 22 and May 28—to accommodate the impressive turnout of UConn ECE student researchers and marine science enthusiasts from high schools across Connecticut.

 

Hosted on the scenic shores of Long Island Sound, the symposium provided an inspiring platform for high school students enrolled in UConn’s ECE Marine Science courses (MARN1001E: The Sea Around Us and MARN1003E: Introduction to Oceanography with Lab) to showcase the results of their year long research projects. Six schools participated in this year’s event: University High School of Science and Engineering, Marine Science Magnet High School, Waterford High School, Ledyard High School, The Morgan School, and The Sound School.

 

Students presented their work through a combination of oral presentations and detailed scientific posters. Research topics ranged from micro plastic pollution and marine biodiversity to the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems. The diversity of subjects reflected not only the rigor of the student projects but also the enthusiasm and curiosity these young scientists bring to the field of marine science. By splitting the schools between two dates, the symposium offered a more focused and engaging experience, allowing for deeper discussions, peer to-peer feedback, and meaningful interactions with UConn faculty and marine science professionals. This format helped bridge classroom learning with the real-world application of scientific research. Events like the Marine Science Symposium exemplify the power of experiential education. Students walked away with more than just academic credit—they gained confidence, presentation skills, and a genuine sense of belonging in the scientific community. Their work was not only ambitious and well researched but also impressively presented, showcasing a high level of professionalism and dedication.

UConn ECE Chinese Talent Show

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By Dr. George Chunsheng Yang | Photos by Gordon Daigle and Mike Illuzzi

 

March 14, 2025

 

On March 14, 2025, UConn ECE, in collaboration with UConn’s Language, Cultures, and Literature (LCL) Chinese program, hosted a Chinese Talent Show for both UConn ECE Chinese high school students and UConn Chinese students. Hosted at the UConn Student Union Theater, the event featured more than 20 student-led performances, and drew an audience of more than 150 students, instructors, and community members, all eager to witness the creativity and dedication of high school and college Chinese learners.

 

The event showcased a wide variety of performances, including solo and group singing, traditional and modern dance, Chinese poem recitations, and engaging sanju ban (a comic dialogue style popular in Chinese storytelling). Between the acts, UConn ECE Chinese instructors hosted interactive mini-games and cultural trivia sessions, keeping the audience entertained and engaged throughout the event.

 

At the end of the event, three standout performances were honored with special awards. The Best Language Expression Award went to Amity High School for their flawless Mandarin poem recitation. The Best Performance Award went to Norwich Free Academy for their powerful Taiji dance. The most Popular Award went to Amity High School for their popularity among the audience.

 

The event was proudly sponsored by UConn ECE Office and UConn Chinese Program. The Talent Show reflects a broader community-wide initiative to foster cultural understanding, confidence in Chinese communication, and global competence through language education.

High School Engagement

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By Jessica Dunn / Image by Carissa Rutkauskas

 

In the winter 2024–2025 edition of our magazine, we introduced a map showcasing the Connecticut high schools that participated in UConn ECE student events during the Fall semester. Since then, the map has been expanded to capture the full scope of the 2024–2025 academic year—including all student events held throughout the Spring semester.

 

This updated version reveals an even broader level of engagement, with many additional high schools now represented. The growth in participation highlights the increasing enthusiasm among schools across the state to connect with UConn ECE student enrichment opportunities with a deep investment and emphasis on access for all students. From large urban districts to small rural communities, the updated map tells a compelling story of how academic curiosity and opportunity continue to spread.

We’re proud to see such strong involvement from our partner schools and applaud the efforts of instructors, students, and UConn ECE Faculty Coordinators who make these valuable learning opportunities possible. We look forward to continuing this momentum and encourage all high schools to take advantage of the valuable opportunities available to students across various disciplines.