Introduction

The Mission

What is CT State Scholars?

Core Course of Study

The Partners

Business Involvement

Why Become Involved

The Solution

Core Course of Study

Goals

Benefits

Business Support

Download the Brochure (pdf)

Contact

Core Course of Study

Fact Sheet

FAQs

Get Involved

Business

Students

Parents

Volunteer Form

Pilot Sites

Business Recruitment

Schedule of Events

Press

CBIA's Ed. Foundation

Contact Us

Business Recruitment & Involvement

What is the Connecticut State Scholars Program

 Connecticut State Scholars is as simple, low-cost, high-impact strategy that motivates students to complete rigorous high school courses that prepare them for college and careers. Research shows a direct correlation between challenging high school coursework and success in the modern workforce, the military and postsecondary education.

     The State Scholars Initiative began when concerned business people, educators and researchers noticed that many high school students were not enrolling in or completing essential academic courses such as algebra II, chemistry and advanced English. Through business-education partnerships, the initiative encourages high school students to complete a sequence of rigorous academic courses that will prepare them for future education and workplace success. The core courses of study include advanced classes in English, math, science, social studies and foreign language.

     Connecticut State Scholars is endorsed by employers, the state Departments of Education and Higher Education, and local school districts.

     CBIA is the statewide business partner for Connecticut State Scholars. We invite you to join us in making the program a success for the benefit of our young people, your business and the future of Connecticut ’s economy.

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Why your company should become a Connecticut State Scholars sponsor

As a sponsor of the Connecticut State Scholars program, your company will derive many benefits, including:

• an opportunity to work with other companies and school leaders to collectively bring about measurable change.
• the chance to improve the future workforce in your local community.
• improved employee morale from helping deserving high school students improve their educational achievement.
• positive public relations for your company in the community and throughout Connecticut from your association with the program.

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So What is the Solution?

Better prepared

Students who take and complete rigorous classes in high school are prepared to be successful after high school, whether in a two- or four-year college, a certificate program, a company training program or the military.

     That’s why the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), the Office of the Governor, the Connecticut Department of Education and the Department of Higher Education, are working together to encourage all high school students to complete a rigorous course of study called the Connecticut State Scholars program. The required courses include:

It’s simple: Students who complete these courses are more successful in college and in the workplace than those who simply meet minimum graduation requirements.

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The goals of the Connecticut State Scholars program

• Increase literacy, math and science skills.
• Decrease the drop-out rate.
• Increase the number of students who pass college placement exams (and who are not required to take remedial courses).
• Increase the number of students who receive associate’s and bachelor’s degrees or complete rigorous apprenticeship requirements.
• Improve the 10th-grade Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) scores in the school district.

Benefits from the business perspective:

• More students will graduate with strong basic skills.
• More graduating students will be properly prepared for college and the workforce.
• Students will have a better understanding of the connections between school and work.
• Job candidates will have a stronger work ethic.
• Students will develop a commitment to continuous learning.

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The Essential Role of Business

Your support can be in the form of:

Incentives

• Provide discount coupons to area businesses frequented by students.
• Provide recognition awards for students participating in the State Scholars program.
• Hold end-of-year celebrations for all students on track for the Scholars program.

Classroom presentations

• Make presentations to eighth-grade classes of “Great Expectations, Great Rewards” (provided by the program).

Instructional assistance:

• Allow employees to tutor students in math and English.
• Fund an after-school tutoring program.
• Sponsor a Saturday Algebra Academy to ensure that struggling students pass these tougher classes (it works!).

Purchase materials

• Purchase instructional materials such as books, calculators, and math and science materials that have a measurable impact on student achievement.

Connections to the workplace

• Have a place on your company’s employment application to indicate if the applicant is a Connecticut State Scholar.
• Hire a Connecticut State Scholar for a summer internship.
• Allow Connecticut State Scholars to job shadow at your company so they can understand the application of their classes to the workplace.

Here is a partial list of our business partners: The United Illuminating Company; GE Commercial Finance; Dow Chemical Company; and the Bilco Company.

Download the Brochure (pdf)

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