UConn's Early College Experience (ECE) is an opportunity for students to take UConn courses while still in high school. Each HVRHS ECE course is equivalent to the same course at the University of Connecticut. Courses are taught on the high school campus by high school instructors who have been certified as adjunct faculty members by the University of Connecticut. UConn ECE students benefit by taking college courses in a familiar setting with an instructor they know. Courses offered through UConn ECE are approximately one-tenth of the cost in comparison to taking the same course on a UConn campus and also save money on the cost of textbooks.

Over 17,000 students and around 2,000 certified instructors in almost 200 high schools take part in this academic opportunity annually. UConn credits are accepted at many colleges and universities across the country and transfer at a 87% success rate.

A $50 per credit course fee is charged by UCONN for this program (with most courses being 3 credits and costing $150). No fees are collected at HVRHS. Fee waivers are available for those students who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch and have submitted paperwork to the high school.

HVRHS currently has the following course articulations with UCONN:

• AP/ECE Environmental Science (full year = 3 credits)

• ECE Drawing 1 (one semester = 3 credits)

• ECE Equine Science (full year = 3 credits; next offered 25-26)

• ECE Introduction to American Politics (one semester = 3 credits)

• ECE Intro to Human Rights (one semester = 3 credits) 

• ECE US History (two semesters = 6 credits)

Registration for this program is a multi-step process that begins during HVRHS Course Selection. After courses are set through the high school, students will register for credit online through the ECE process at UConn. It is expected that students enrolling in ECE courses register for credit at UConn. Students registering for credit will do so every Fall. Students should contact Kirin Terni in the College and Career Center at kterni@hvrhs.org or stop in Room 101 for assistance and questions with the online application process. For more information please visit the UCONN ECE Registration Page for Students and Parents.

If a student signs up for an ECE Class and registers with UConn for credit, but then drops the class, the student must let UConn know by October 16, 2024 to be refunded. After that date students must follow all withdrawal procedures and deadlines as outlined, but no refund will be given.  

The ECE PARENT/GUARDIAN CORNER has facts and more links to resources.

As part of our High School Partnership Program with CT State Northwestern, Juniors and Seniors can take up to two college courses per semester at Northwestern's Community College campus in Winsted at no cost. The courses are taken at the college or online on a space available basis and are in addition to HVRHS courses. Credits can be used towards a degree at NCCC or be transferred to many four year institutions, potentially saving students hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Students must be in good academic standing with a minimum of a B (3.0) average to participate in this program. Students must take the Accuplacer placement test as a condition of acceptance into the program. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks/supplies if needed.

Registration for this program takes place in the fall and spring of the preceding semester in which the courses will be taken. The deadline for the fall semester is June 15 and the spring semester deadline is January 3. To apply, please first complete the NCCC HSPP INQUIRY FORM to express interest. NCCC will email you the application directly. Students applying may see Mrs. Terni in the College and Career Center for assistance.

For more information, please visit the NCCC Partnership Program web site.