The University of Connecticut will launch three bold initiatives at UConn Waterbury, offering early college opportunities for Waterbury high school students, a new Waterbury campus pathway for nursing students, and innovative STEM experiences. Made possible by transformational investments from the Elisabeth C. DeLuca Foundation, these combined efforts will expand college access, accelerate student success, and address critical workforce shortages in nursing and STEM fields across the state. These initiatives advance the Because of UConn campaign’s core pillars — Students First, Academic & Innovation Excellence, and Health & Wellness of People & Planet — while strengthening Connecticut’s future.

Meeting the Moment
Connecticut faces urgent shortages in nursing and allied health professions, while Waterbury students continue to encounter systemic barriers to higher education — only 49% enter college, and STEM retention rates are behind state averages. UConn Waterbury’s integrated approach tackles these challenges head-on by linking two transformative strategies:

• Husky Prep Academy: supports Waterbury Public School (WPS) high school students in grades 9–12, creating a health/STEM pathway to UConn Waterbury, college credit, and hands-on learning. Students participate in UConn coursework on campus, including the Summer Academy, and via Early College Experience (ECE) at their high school, earning up to 30 UConn credits (about one year of study) plus experiential learning through I2A Lab projects and field trips. Students will also receive an early designation of admissibility, a clear signal they are on track for admission if they meet requirements.
• Ideas to Action (I2A) Lab: an experiential learning hub that introduces students to health and STEM careers through hands-on activities. Using tools like virtual and augmented reality, medical equipment, and interactive learning modules, the lab helps students gain practical skills and explore future career possibilities.

“Waterbury students are talented and ambitious,” says UConn Waterbury Campus Dean Fumiko Hoeft. “What’s too often missing is a clear, supported pathway. This investment builds that pathway from ninth grade through a UConn degree, a cradle-to-career pipeline in Waterbury. High school students can earn real college credit and immerse themselves in STEM experiences on campus, enter a new nursing route, and find out earlier if they’re on track for UConn Waterbury.”

Waterbury Campus: Student Success Investment
Husky Prep Academy and Ideas to Action Lab represent a combined $5.45 million investment, including $1.65 million in matching funds from the DeLuca Foundation for the Ideas to Action Lab. For every dollar raised, UConn can draw upon this $1.65 million commitment, amplifying the impact of community and philanthropic support.

“This match means more students will have access to life-changing opportunities,” says Amy Yancey, CEO of the UConn Foundation. “Every dollar raised unlocks additional resources for programs that prepare Waterbury students for college and careers in high-demand fields. It’s an investment in their success, and in the strength of our communities.”

Introducing the Nursing at Waterbury Pathway
The Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing, which has already demonstrated significant impact through increased enrollment at UConn Storrs, will implement a four-year nursing pathway at UConn Waterbury. A $5 million investment, the pathway will be the first of its kind, supporting nursing students during their early courses in Waterbury and transitioning their learning to the state-of-the-art Deluca Hall at UConn Storrs in their junior and senior years. The pathway will include critical scholarships for students, a new Nursing Simulation Center, and expanded course offerings at UConn Waterbury. Additional resources will be invested in expanding faculty and staff to accommodate increased enrollment.

“This new pathway represents a major step forward in making nursing education more accessible and responsive to the needs of Connecticut’s communities,” says Victoria Vaughan Dickson, professor and Dean of the Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing. “By allowing students to begin in Waterbury and providing state-of-the-art resources like the Nursing Simulation Center, we’re creating opportunities for talented individuals who might otherwise face barriers to entering the profession. This initiative will help ensure a robust, well-prepared nursing workforce for future generations.”

With the new Nursing at Waterbury pathway, student enrollment in the Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing will grow to 300 students by 2028, strengthening Connecticut’s health care workforce for decades to come.

These initiatives give UConn Waterbury a strong foundation in preparing students for healthcare and STEM careers. The campus is seeking additional partners and supporters to fully realize its goal of becoming a leading center for developing healthcare and STEM professionals and contributing to Connecticut’s workforce.