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.

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.

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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.

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

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.

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

• Mentor teams meet weekly or biweekly.

Students can join at anytime throughout the semester.

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

“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

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!

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!

• 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

• Mentor teams meet weekly or biweekly.

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.

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!

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.

Since 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.

WAVE 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.

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 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.

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.

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. 

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

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

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