November 25, 2014
Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced a new integrated high school and college program in Windham will launch in the fall of 2015. Modeled after IBM’s much heralded Pathways in Technology Early College High School programs (P-TECH), the Connecticut Early College Opportunity (CT-ECO) program allows students to earn an associate degree in addition to a high school diploma. State Representative Susan Johnson (D-Windham) welcomed the news.
“Experience college-level material while in high school, this early college program offers students a head start in their careers,” said Rep. Johnson. “Integrating real-world workplace experiences, meaningful mentorships and rigorous academics makes sense.”
The Eastern CT-ECO program, located in Windham, represents partnerships among the local school districts, Quinebaug Valley Community College (QVCC), and the Eastern Manufacturing Alliance (EAMA) with General Dynamics Electric Boat serving as the lead partner. The Eastern CT-ECO programs will enable students to earn degrees in the field of Advanced Manufacturing, where demand for middle-skilled well-paying jobs is growing.