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Connecticut State Scholars Program

The Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s (CBIA) Education Foundation is taking the lead on the new Connecticut State Scholars initiative, focusing on the need for more students to graduate with a solid academic foundation that will prepare them for the future. CBIA is one of just 12 state business organizations nationwide, selected by the Center for State Scholars to receive a $300,000 grant, to start-up this program.

     Based on a successful national model, the pilot program of Connecticut State Scholars will be launched first in the communities of Danbury and New Haven and at Vinal Technical High School in Middletown.

“We actively support the Connecticut State Scholars pilot program in New Haven. This program connects the school district with business to encourage 8th graders to choose a more rigorous curriculum in high school. Upon completion of this program, they are much better prepared to enter the workforce or pursue higher education opportunities. This means they are better able to compete with their peers around the world.” — Roger Joyce, Vice President of Engineering at The Bilco Company, New Haven, testifying before the U.S House of Representatives Small Business Committee, May 2004

The Mission

To encourage and motivate all high school students to complete a defined, rigorous academic course of study that prepares them for successful transition to college or university coursework or vocational and technical training necessary to enter today’s competitive job market.

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

“As the Connecticut State Scholars Program becomes fully implemented in the pilot districts, we hope to learn from their experience and use it in fashioning expectations for all our high school students in Connecticut.” Dr. Betty Sternberg, Commissioner Dept. of Education

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.

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Course Requirements

Students participating in the Connecticut State Scholars program upon graduation from high school will have completed the following core academic requirements:

COURSES

CREDITS
English 4
Mathematics  
(algebra I, geometry, algebra II or equivalent integrated mathematics curriculum)		 3
Lab Science
(biology, chemistry, physics)		 3
Social Studies
(Chosen from U.S. history/1.0, world history/1.0, world geography/1.0, economics/0.5, government/0.5)		 3.5
World language
(Two credits of the same language)		 2
Total Credits   
 15.5

 

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The Business & State Participants

     With CBIA taking the lead, the Connecticut State Scholars program is a collaborative partnership among the following: Office of the Governor; the state Departments of Education and High Education; the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce; The Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce; The United Illuminating Company; GE Commercial Finance; Dow Chemical Company; The Bilco Company; and the Housatonic Valley Economic Development Partnership.

     This initiative could not be possible without the support and encouragement of the business

“During the next three years, the state Department of Higher Education
will work with the public colleges and universities to make the strong
educational core proposed by the Connecticut State Scholars program the
norm for admission into Connecticut's four-year institutions and the
recommendation for college success for all high school graduates who
enter our colleges.” Dr. Valerie Lewis
Dept. of Higher Education Commissioner

community. The Connecticut State Scholars program is unique because business leaders deliver the message directly to the students that high school coursework does matter to their future academic, career and business success. Roger Joyce, vice president with The Bilco Company, is the corporate spokesperson for the New Haven initiative. Joyce also serves on CBIA's Board of Directors.

     Cristina Harter, chief capitol markets officer for GE Vendor Financial Services is helping to spearhead the Danbury initiative.

     In the past, both of these companies have participated in projects supporting students and educators alike. GE’s participation has ranged from having mentors in the schools (through Danbury Schools and Business Collaborative); teaching Junior Achievement classes in the elementary and middle schools; and hosting job shadow events with area high schools. They have also supported tutoring and writing programs in local nonprofit organizations; and supported both reading and science programs financially and with volunteers at Roberts Avenue Elementary school in Danbury. Employees have also served on the United Way Community Impact Committee on Early Child Care and Education. For additional details on GE schools initiatives, please visit their Web site at http://www.ge.com/foundation/index.html.

     The Bilco Company has a number of educational programs for students, including but not limited to, participation in School-to-Career activities; mentoring area students; and welcoming students and their teachers to the facility for company visits.

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You can help

If your company has ties to the New Haven or Danbury areas, and you'd like to help improve education in those areas, give us a call. The Connecticut State Scholars program can provide you with the training and implementation materials you'll need to successfully promote the program.

Contact us:

Dayl Walker, project director, Connecticut State Scholars

CBIA Education Foundation

350 Church Street ~ Hartford, CT 06103-1126

Phone: 860-244-1900; Fax 860-278-8562

walkerd@cbia.com