About UConn Early College Experience

UConn Early College Experience (UConn ECE) connects Connecticut high school students with the academic opportunities of the University of Connecticut. Through partnerships with high schools, students take UConn courses in their own classrooms, gaining college experience while earning high school and college credit.

Established in 1955, UConn ECE is the nation’s longest-running concurrent enrollment program. Its foundation is a shared commitment among the University, high school educators, and school leaders to expand access to higher education and help students prepare for their next academic steps.

How UConn ECE Works

Concurrent enrollment allows students to take college courses at their high school, taught by high school instructors certified by the college or university. Through UConn ECE, students enroll in UConn courses that are equivalent to those offered on campus, with comparable academic expectations and standards.

Registered students begin their college careers as UConn non-degree students. They earn their course grades through assignments and assessments completed throughout the semester or academic year, and their UConn academic record is documented on an official University transcript.

What Students Gain

Taking UConn courses through UConn ECE gives students opportunities to:

• Experience college academics: Develop an understanding of college expectations while learning in a familiar high school setting.
• Build confidence and independence: Strengthen study habits, time management, and responsibility for their own learning.
• Explore academic interests: Discover subjects and potential fields of study before choosing a college or major.
• Earn college credit: Establish a UConn academic record and explore how earned credits may apply toward future degree requirements.
• Connect with the University: Access library and technology resources, student events, and other benefits available through the program.
• Reduce future college costs: Take UConn courses at a fraction of the cost of taking the same courses on campus.

A Partnership Supporting Academic Quality

UConn ECE brings together University faculty, certified high school instructors, and partner school leaders to support a college experience within the high school classroom.

UConn Faculty Coordinators provide academic oversight within their disciplines, review instructor certification applications, lead professional development, and work with instructors to maintain course comparability.

UConn ECE Instructors are high school educators certified by the University to teach specific UConn courses. They bring University curriculum and expectations into their classrooms and participate in ongoing professional development.

Partner High Schools and Site Representatives support local course offerings, guide students and families, and coordinate program activities with the UConn ECE Program Office.

Together, these relationships connect students with University learning while supporting the educators and schools that make it possible.

Nationally Accredited

UConn ECE is accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). Accreditation recognizes that the program meets national standards for concurrent enrollment quality, including curriculum, instructor qualifications and development, student assessment, student services, partnerships, and program evaluation.

Our Mission

UConn Early College Experience is committed to providing access to, and preparation for, post-secondary education programs through its ability to offer University of Connecticut courses to high school students. UConn Early College Experience is committed to excellence in education by fostering a relationship between higher education and partner high schools to create an effective transition for students who have made college a goal or have not considered it and want to try a college class.

UConn ECE at a Glance

Academic year: [2025–2026]

• Since 1955: Expanding access to University learning.
• 20,855 students: Participating in UConn courses through UConn ECE.
• 197 partner high schools: Bringing UConn courses to students across Connecticut.
• 110 UConn courses: Available through the program.
• 50 disciplines: Offering opportunities to explore a wide range of academic interests.

Explore Your Next Steps

Students and Families:

Discover available courses, find participating high schools, and learn how to get started.

High School Teachers:

Explore certification requirements and the application process for teaching UConn courses through UConn ECE.

School Leaders:

Learn how to establish a partnership that brings UConn courses to your students.

UConn ECE partners with many offices and departments across the University of Connecticut. To ensure consistency, accuracy, and clarity in how we communicate about UConn Early College Experience (ECE), please refer to our UConn Early College Experience Name Usage Guidance for University Partners page.