The Ride Ahead: Documentary Screening Launches EASTCONN disABILITY Empowerment Series

Hampton, CT – EASTCONN presents a free screening of THE RIDE AHEAD on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Killingly High School, 226 Putnam Pike, Killingly, CT. The documentary kicks off EASTCONN’s disABILITY Empowerment Series, celebrating youth with disabilities. The PG-rated film is open to ages 12 and up, featuring open captions and available audio description. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible with ample accessible parking.

Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Dan and Samuel Habib chronicle 21-year-old Samuel’s journey toward independent living. The documentary follows Samuel as he seeks guidance from accomplished mentors in the disability community, including comedian Maysoon Zayid, ADA pioneers Judy Heumann and Bob Williams, Tony winner Ali Stroker, and other prominent activists. 

Quinebaug Middle College (QMC) Announces Honor Roll

Danielson, CT – EASTCONN’s Quinebaug Middle College (QMC) has released the Semester 1 Honor Roll (Fall 2024) list for the School Year 2024-2025

ACT Students Earn Multiple Honors in 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

WILLIMANTIC, CT - Eight creative writing students from EASTCONN's Arts at the Capitol Theater (ACT) magnet high school in Willimantic have earned recognition in the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by the Connecticut Writing Project-Storrs and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers   Senior Baer Linderson of Danielson received both a Gold Key for the poem "Queer and Angry" and an Honorable Mention for "BPM." Linderson's Gold Key-winning piece will advance to national judging in New York City, with National Medalists to be announced in late March.

Community Leaders Address Childcare Challenges in Northeast Connecticut

WILLIMANTIC, CT - Local legislators and community leaders convened Friday at EASTCONN's Community Learning Center in Willimantic to address childcare challenges facing northeastern Connecticut families. The Northeast Connecticut Childcare Needs (NCCN) Initiative hosted the meeting to discuss solutions to what they describe as a "trilemma" of access, affordability, and quality in early childhood education.

The January 31st gathering highlighted a critical workforce cycle that impacts both families and childcare providers: low wages and entry barriers discourage qualified professionals from entering the field, while attempts to raise wages increase costs for families already struggling to afford care. "Childcare providers in our region receive significantly lower reimbursement rates compared to other parts of Connecticut, creating an unsustainable situation where providers lose wages while families cannot afford the true cost of care," said Maggie Francis-Gietzen, NCCN Program Manager.