Schools
Naugatuck Valley Community College Honored with Math Science Grant to Support Collaboration with Crosby High School
Titled "Crosby High School Project S^3, STEM Students Succeed," it will provide Bridge-to-College programs and services.
WATERBURY–The U.S. Department of Education has notified NVCC that their US DOE Math/Science Upward Bound (UBMS) grant application to support students from Crosby High School has been selected for funding. The grant is a 5-year grant award in the amount of $263,938 per year. Titled “Crosby High School Project S^3, STEM Students Succeed,” it will provide Bridge-to-College programs and services.
Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary enthusiastically commented that “the city is honored by the successful efforts of NVCC on behalf of our Crosby High School students. The College’s success in obtaining this grant is a result of its continuous commitment to students and their families.”
NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D., shared the news with the entire campus in a celebratory announcement, “this meaningful opportunity for NVCC to continue to work hand-in-hand with the Waterbury Public School system will enhance activities already underway, supported by three other Upward Bound grants and the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant. It is a tribute and an acknowledgement at the highest level of the importance of NVCC’s contributions to the future of the young people of Waterbury, future taxpayers and workforce contributors. I celebrate with all of our good friends in Waterbury and recognize the talented faculty and staff at NVCC- making a difference each and every day.”
Dr. Kathleen M. Ouellette, Waterbury Superintendent of Schools said, "We are delighted to congratulate NVCC on yet another Upward Bound grant, especially in the areas of math and science. We thank NVCC's Bridge to College Division for collaborating with our comprehensive high schools to provide students with academic support and college readiness in STEM disciplines."
Darren Schwartz, Chief Academic Officer of the Waterbury Public Schools expressed similar enthusiasm, “The Waterbury Public Schools is excited to be partnering with Naugatuck Valley Community College to encourage 60 of our students to study and pursue careers in the STEM field. Scientists, technicians, engineers and mathematicians are problem solvers, critical thinkers, doers, and innovators. They work to resolve complex issues facing our global society while maintaining the competitive global edge the United States has in these fields. We are truly looking forward to this partnership!”
The funding will support 60 students from low-income families with programs that supplement the math science curriculum and ensure college-readiness. The grant was authored by David Celotto, NVCC Bridge to College Director who will serve as the local project director for NVCC. Celotto noted, "The NVCC and Bridge to College team is elated with the news of our successful grant application. The UBMS grant will bring with it, an array of student support services with a focus on exposing students to high interest, high demand STEM professions. Students involved in the program will not only participate in academic and social support, but will engage in rigorous, discovery based activities that explore all areas within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields. The grant further enhances the collaborative partnership NVCC has with the City of Waterbury and the Waterbury Public Schools. We look forward to bringing this opportunity to Crosby High School students and families. "
