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College for Kids

  • Temp Last Modified: 2025-05-21

College for Kids programs, held on the Norwalk campus, are designed to stimulate young minds. These inspiring classes offer hands-on learning and a dynamic curriculum in courses that your kids will thrive in and enjoy.

Register for a Course

For more information about these courses or help registering for a course, contact the Norwalk Workforce Development and Continuing Education Office at 203-857-7080 or NK-ContinuingEd@ctstate.edu.

Summer 2025 Course Catalog

Grades 2-5

  • Get ready for a week of explosive fun, epic experiments and mind-blowing discoveries at the coolest class around! In this class, young scientists will dive into the wonders of chemistry with dazzling, fiery demonstrations, icy experiments and hands-on activities that fizz, pop and boom! Students will explore the wonders of heat and cold through jaw-dropping experiments: create fire tornadoes, freeze objects with dry ice, create their own frosty concoctions and discover the science behind extreme temperatures. Our chemists in training will unleash their inner mad scientists and explore the magic of elements in the most exciting ways possible! Perfect for curious minds who love to learn through experimenting, discovery, and a little bit of “madness!”

  • Let your imagination run wild with tens of thousands of LEGO® parts! Build engineer-designed projects as you discover the world around us through our inquiry-based learning model. Projects such as hovercraft, rockets, submarines, windmills and more are rotated seasonally to ensure that both new and returning students can explore the endless creative possibilities of the LEGO®building system.

  • Let's get crazy with chemicals! Students will explore the power of chemical reactions in this hands-on class! Our chemists in training will create unforgettable experiences while brewing colorful explosions, foamy experiments, acidic potions and gooey sticky creations! From mastering the art of slime and mixing up elephant toothpaste and more, students will burst with excitement about science! Perfect for curious minds who love to create and discover, this class is a recipe for fun and learning!

  • Join our exciting Math Summer Bootcamp designed to make math engaging and enjoyable for kids. Our program combines interactive games, real-world applications and creative projects to help students build confidence and master essential math skills. Enjoy math games and competitions, storytelling and art and interactive math stations that make learning fun and competitive.

  • Learn drama skills through improv, scene/monologue study, theatre games and musical theatre! Students will play, explore and express themselves creatively through acting, singing and moving. A final brief sharing will take place on the last day of camp so performers can show off their talents!

  • Join us as we shoot for the stars on a hands-on, NASA-designed adventure to the cosmos! Your Astronaut-In-Training will explore our solar system - and beyond! - by making explosive comets, witnessing UV rays and supernovas in our glowing planetarium and recreating gassy atmospheres with dry ice and holographic technology. Students will design and launch real rockets and experience the adventures of life in space through immersive space games and experiments with authentic NASA technology! Additionally, each camper will receive a Mad Science lab coat, goggles, NASA certification and specially designed take homes to help extend learning at home

  • Embark on an artistic expedition that goes beyond traditional elementary school art projects! Have fun exploring a blend of art mediums, techniques and styles designed to spark creativity and imagination. Dive into a world of hands-on experimentation and personal expression as we explore mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, nature-inspired masterpieces and more!

  • Bring your favorite Minecraft adventures to life with our enthusiastic Play-Well instructors. In a Minecraft world powered by LEGO® resources, we will build shelters to keep out Creepers, craft mystical items that only true masters can wield and perfect our crossbow skills to stop the Wither from taking over! If you can imagine it, we can build it.

Grades 6-8

  • In this class, students will build a robot from start to finish - and then write code to control its behavior.  No experience necessary! The brain of this robot is the Arduino microcontroller, a beginner-friendly device at the heart of so many DIY projects seen on instructables.com, arduino.cc and others. Students will build their skills throughout the week and the course will culminate with an obstacle course competition.  Instructions and resources will be given to students to continue their robotics learning journey after the class is complete.

  • In this class, students will explore their own curiosities and imagination by writing a story based on a character they develop. They will learn how to build an interesting plot around a character of their own design, getting to know their character before their plot is decided. With lots of freedom to explore their own thoughts, students will have fun writing in this class. The class will culminate in a writing celebration where writers can share their work.

  • Learn childcare techniques, leadership skills, safety, diapering, feeding and first aid emergency procedures.  Students will be certified in both American Red Cross babysitting and first aid upon successful completion of the course. Must attend all sessions and participate in all activities in order to receive certification.                              

  • Students will learn to care for children and babies and upon successful completion,  earn an American Red Cross babysitting certificate.  Working with mannequins, they will learn safety rules, diapering, feeding, appropriate toys, and communication with parents.  Students must attend BOTH sessions and participate in all activities in order to be certified.

  • Embark on an artistic expedition that goes beyond traditional elementary school art projects! Have fun exploring a blend of art mediums, techniques, and styles designed to spark creativity and imagination. Dive into a world of hands-on experimentation and personal expression as we explore mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, nature-inspired masterpieces and more!

  • Young forensic scientists will solve mysteries using real crime lab techniques, including fingerprint analysis, DNA extraction and evidence examination! Our investigators in training will be given tools that real-life detectives, spies and secret agents use such as night vision goggles, voice encryption, metal detectors and much more. Students will uncover evidence to gather clues and navigate their way through class by solving puzzles, cracking secret codes, completing team challenges and investigating and collecting evidence in simulated crime scenes! This class is packed with science, problem-solving, sleuthing, and plenty of mad fun! Students will receive a Mad Science lab coat, goggles and daily take homes to help extend learning at home!

  • Join our exciting Math Summer Bootcamp designed to make math engaging and enjoyable for kids. Our program combines interactive games, real-world applications and creative projects to help students build confidence and master essential math skills. Enjoy Math games and competitions, technology and apps and nature and math that make learning fun and competitive.

  • Do you love playing games? Can't live without your Xbox360, PS, Wii, DS, PSP or PC? Have you ever thought, "I could probably imagine an incredible game!" In this class, you will learn how to use the powerful yet simple-to-learn "Scratch" programming interface, fresh from the M.I.T. media lab, to create games. You will also learn how to use photo editing and graphic creation programs to develop original artwork that you can use in your game.

  • Explore how your talents and passions can turn into a profitable business you love! Fun, hands-on activities teach life skills like unlocking innovative ideas, problem-solving, teamwork, public speaking, budgeting, effective writing and leadership skills. This class empowers students to think like successful entrepreneurs and become future leaders.

Grades 9-12

  • The sports business industry is booming and it continues to evolve. This fun and engaging course provides an overview of the contemporary global multi-billion-dollar sports business, including professional sports, intercollegiate athletics, media, live events and new platforms. Students will learn management theories that apply to the industry, along with current business and social issues and learn the right business skills required to operate successfully as a business leader in the sports industry. We will connect to some of the key drivers in the industry and learn how to get a job in the sports industry. Today’s sports executives are looking for people with excellent writing and communication skills. Whether it's working in public relations or the marketing department, selling tickets, or as a General Manager, everyone needs to know how to communicate effectively. Students will learn about the baseline tools and see what it takes to land their dream job in the sports business industry!

  • Join this dynamic course exploring creative expression and storytelling through writing. Through workshops and discussions, students unlock their imagination and refine their skills in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. Peer feedback sessions enhance editing skills, leading to a portfolio of original pieces that showcase growth as writers. All levels of experience are welcome on this inspiring journey of exploration and creativity. 

  • Rising high school juniors and seniors can launch their college application process by spending one week brainstorming, outlining, drafting and polishing the Common Application essay. Through individual conferencing and careful exploration, students will develop their stories to create pieces that highlight authentic voices and perspectives. Using models and strong planning, the process is seamless and productive, and students will create a compelling and grammatically correct essay. Class size is limited to ensure individualized attention to crafting the essay.

  • Explore the exciting world of photography in this beginner-friendly class designed to spark creativity and develop technical skills. Students will learn the basics of composition, lighting and camera settings while discovering their unique photographic style. Through hands-on activities and fun projects, we’ll capture moments that tell stories and create lasting memories. No experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore! There will be a few DSLR Cannon cameras available for classroom use only. Students are encouraged to bring their own cameras or cell phone cameras to class. 

  • Learn about the world of artificial intelligence and discover how it’s transforming our lives. This course will take you on a journey through the fascinating realms of AI, from its groundbreaking history to its cutting-edge applications. You'll dive into hands-on activities, explore the power of Microsoft Copilot and tackle real-world challenges. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about the future, this course will ignite your imagination and equip you with the skills to become a true AI pioneer.  

  • Students will engage in immersive drawing experiences to develop their appreciation for nature and enhance their observational skills. Beginning with indoor still-life setups featuring flowers, shells and other objects, students will progress to outdoor landscapes and nature scenes. Throughout the course, fundamental concepts such as line, shape, form, scale and perspective will be explored, alongside various drawing techniques and mediums including pencil, charcoal and ink. Each session will focus on warming up, refining observational skills and providing personalized guidance for artistic growth. By the course's end, students will have created a portfolio-worthy collection of life drawings, suitable for college applications. (No prior drawing skills required)

Upcoming Courses

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NViSION

  • Temp Last Modified: 2025-03-04

National science foundation logo

The NViSION program is a scholars/scholarship program that supports academically-talented STEM students. Students enrolled in the NViSION program at CT State Naugatuck Valley are supported financially, academically, professionally, and socially. Support includes providing scholarships for at least the first two years at Naugatuck Valley, as well as access to a variety of STEM workshops, seminars, advising sessions, professional experiences, clubs, field trips, and tutoring services that are tailored specifically to the interests of the students in the program. The goal of the NViSION program is to increase the number of academically talented STEM students that continue their education at a Bachelor’s degree-granting institution and/or enter the STEM workforce.

This program is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation Grant #1883974 and #2424736.

About the NViSION Program

Be a part of a unique scholars program for students pursuing a STEM education at NVCC. As an NViSION Scholar, you have the opportunity to develop an academic, professional, and social network of peers, STEM faculty, and STEM professionals.

What You'll Receive

Students accepted into the program receive:

  • $2,500-7,000 per semester for at least the first 2 years of their program
  • Active advising with a STEM faculty member
  • Help navigating college and next steps following graduation
  • Free Summer Bridge in August, with extensive orientation and course placements
  • All-expense paid university tours and STEM field trips
  • STEM workshops, advising, and counseling
  • Opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and/or job shadowing
  • Opportunities to participate in local and national professional conferences
  • Mentoring support for transferring to a 4-year college and/or entering the STEM workforce

Student Requirements

  • Students must have a GPA of 2.5 with noted accomplishments in STEM courses
  • Must be a US citizen, permanent resident, national, or refugee
  • Have demonstrated financial need as determined per FAFSA
  • Commit to enrolling full-time at CT State Naugatuck Valley in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics degree programs until completion of the degree and/or transfer to a 4-year college or university

Eligible Majors

  • Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics Studies degree program
  • Computer Information Systems (Generalist, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, IT Support, Networking, Programming) 
  • Electronic Engineering Technology
  • Engineering Technology
  • Engineering Science
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Technology Studies
  • Additional STEM majors may be considered

Program Expectations for NViSION Scholars

  • Students must be enrolled full-time in a STEM degree program
  • Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Students must complete the FAFSA every year they are enrolled in the program and maintain financial aid eligibility
  • Students are expected to participate in various activities over their two years in the program. See example course and activity schedule below.

Activities and Expected Participation

Semester

Cohort Classes

Cohort Activities Offered

Pre-Fall

Summer Bridge

 

First Fall

English Composition

STEM Club

College Algebra OR Precalculus

STEM Transfer Workshop

Majors-Level Cohort Course

Diversity in STEM Seminar

General Education Course

Resume Workshop

College and Career Success Course

Financial Aid Workshop

 

University Campus Tour

First Winter

Optional General Education Course

Winter Bridge/Welcome

First Spring

Composition II and Literature OR Technical Writing

STEM Club

Precalculus OR Calculus I

STEM-Ships Workshop

Majors-Level Cohort Course

Interviewing Skills Workshop

General Education Course

Diversity in STEM Panel

Optional Fifth Course

University Campus Tour

 

STEM Festival

First Summer

Optional Majors-Level Course OR Professional Experience

Internship/Research Experience 

Second Fall

General Education Course

Same as First Fall

Majors-Level Cohort Classes

 

Second Winter

Optional General Education Course

Same as First Winter

Second Spring

General Education Course

Same as First Spring, Graduation

Majors-Level Cohort Classes

 

Second Summer

Optional Professional Experience

 

Apply to the NViSION Program

Apply Now

For application information, email NViSION at nvision@ctstate.edu.

Application review will begin in April. Applications received before March 30 will get priority consideration. Applications will be accepted until all scholarships are distributed, but not later than June 19.

male instructor helps female student on machine

Contact Us

NViSION Study Room–Ekstrom 401 (Waterbury Campus)

Dr. Rebecca Stadel Binney, PI
Professor of Biology
Email: rebecca.binney@ctstate.edu 
Phone: 203-596-2175
Location: Ekstrom Hall, Room E428

Dr. Peter Angelastro, Co-PI
Professor of Biology
Email: peter.angelastro@ctstate.edu 
Phone: 203-575-8185
Location: Ekstrom Hall, Room E521

Professor Carlos Plaza
Associate Professor of Math, NViSION Advisor
Email: carlos.plaza@ctstate.edu 
Phone: 203-596-8713
Location:
Ekstrom Hall, Room E405

 

Dr. Kevin Ramer, Co-PI
Professor of Math
Email: kevin.ramer@ctstate.edu 
Phone: 203-596-2152
Location: Ekstrom Hall, Room E411

Dr. Beth Monchun
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Email: Beth.monchun@ctstate.edu
Location: Kinney Hall, Room K703C

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SOAR

SOARing Together Mentoring Network

Become a SOAR Mentee!

The SOARing Together Mentoring Network partners you with a professional mentor and a small group of Tunxis students to form a mentoring team to support one another as you navigate college.

This is a FREE program for CT State students.

Benefits

  • Take off towards your personal goals
  • Connect with peers & professionals
  • Support and guidance
  • Explore your potential
  • Share your experiences

Time Commitment

  • Mentor teams meet weekly or biweekly.

Join SOAR

Students can join at anytime throughout the semester.

Contact Us

For more information about SOAR, contact Geoffrey Elterich at Geoffrey.elterich@ctstate.edu or Marie Clucas at marie.clucas@ctstate.edu.

The Value of Having a Mentor

Terry Bukowski smiles outdoors

“Through the mentoring groups, we worked on setting goals—whether they be educational, career or personal—and held each other accountable for meeting them. We learned about ways to be successful in college, attended resume-writing workshops, and explored other resources available on campus. I would recommend the SOAR Mentoring Program to every student here at CT State Tunxis. No matter what your dreams are, the support and guidance you receive from this program can help you achieve them.”

-Terry Bukowski, SOAR Student

students in group play jenga students study together around table

Current Mentees

Complete the Mentee Survey

Please complete this survey by the end of the semester so that we can use the feedback to improve the student mentoring experience. Thank you!

Faculty and Staff Mentors

Tunxis faculty and staff members are invited to become SOAR mentors. Work in small groups with students to help them succeed in their college goals!

Benefits of Being a Mentor

  • Improve as a leader
  • Bring out the best in others
  • Watch your mentees grow
  • Better understand the student experience
  • Take an active part in removing barriers for students

Time Commitment

  • Mentor teams meet weekly or biweekly.

Become a SOAR Mentor

group of three people at Tunxis smile together Tunxis Mentee stands in front of presentation board
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Peer Mentoring

  • Temp Last Modified: 2025-04-15

What is Peer2Peer?

Peer2Peer is a peer mentoring program provided to each Northwestern student enrolled in College and Career Success (CCS) 1001. Peer Mentors support CCS 1001 students in navigating the transition to college life, their proficiency in academic literacy skills, and fostering meaningful connections with others on Northwestern’s campus.

Who are the Peer Mentors?

Peer Mentors are students just like CCS 1001 students, except they have the experience of being a second or third-year Northwestern student. All Peer Mentors complete training, meet weekly, and are excited to support students!

Learn More

For more information, email Tracy Smith, Peer2Peer Coordinator at tracy.smith@ctstate.edu

This project is supported through Federal Work Study, the Northwestern Community College Foundation, and the Greenwood Scholarship Foundation.

Greenwoods Scholarship Foundation Peer2Peer students pose in a group students sit outside in benches and chairs watching something that's off camera blindfolded students walk around room
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WAVE (Workforce Achievers Value Education)

  • Temp Last Modified: 2025-05-12

group of students pose and smile at cameraSince its inception in 2005, the Workforce Achievers Value Education (WAVE) works with a select group of students to build academic and work skills while developing each individual's emotional quotient, enabling him or her to get along successfully in the real world. Through work experience, education, and support services, WAVE students learn a holistic approach to life. Students are accepted based on academic qualification and federal eligibility requirements. They commit to attending CT State Naugatuck Valley full-time while working a limited number of hours for at least one year and meeting daily with program administrators through one-on-one conferences, lunches, and classes.

students work together at table on projectWAVE is funded by the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board. More than half of the WAVE students who graduate with their associate degrees go on to four-year colleges or universities. Many of these students are offered merit or academic scholarships along with financial aid. WAVE students work on-campus as well as off-campus in the local community.

Benefits to Students

  • Financial Resources
  • Meaningful Internships
  • Part-time Jobs
  • Career Exploration
  • Credentials & Certificates
  • Mentoring

Apply to WAVE

Contact Us

Tracy Mahar, WAVE Program Coordinator
Email: tracy.mahar@ctstate.edu 
Phone: 203-575-8224
Location: Ekstrom Hall - Room E619
750 Chase Parkway
Waterbury, CT 06708

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant-funded program is two-fold: 

  • Federal eligibility is based on qualification through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act. 
  • Program eligibility is determined through a one-on-one interview with Naugatuck Valley’s program coordinator and a review of high school transcripts.

Responsibility

Individuals accepted in the WAVE program make a commitment of at least one year. Students are expected to explore potential career choices, work in their field of interest, and earn career credentials. Following this, students will decide which career path to follow and their plan of study.

Outcomes

Over the years, WAVE has achieved an 89% graduation rate with more than half of those students graduating in just two years! 

  • Each semester approximately 30% of WAVE students make the Dean’s list and 90% achieve a 2.0 or higher GPA. 
  • WAVE students consistently achieve high honors and scholarships: many have been inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society. 
  • A number of our students have received scholarships from organizations like the Connecticut Association of Latinos in Higher Education (CALAHE), the Connecticut Talent Assistance Cooperative (CONNTAC), and the American Savings Foundation. WAVE students have also received the prestigious President to President scholarship. These opportunities allow a number of our students to attend a four-year university, virtually debt-free.
  • WAVE students pursue paid internships and obtain industry-recognized credentials that align with their career interest. 

Program Highlights

  • Career Exploration
  • Industry Credentials 
  • Study Strategies
  • Study Halls
  • College and University Visits

Soft Skills

  • Goal Setting
  • Personal Responsibility
  • Networking
  • Etiquette
  • Time Management 
  • Community Service

Work Experience

  • Career Development
  • Paid Internships
  • Interview Skills
  • Resume Development
  • Occupational Skill Training
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