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WAVE (Workforce Achievers Value Education)

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 NVCC 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, Assistant Worksite 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