Enrichment Programs

The University of Connecticut is educating the next generation of innovators and leaders. Experiential programs broadens students’ horizons and prepares them for the twenty-first century interconnected world.

The Individualized Experience

The University of Connecticut is strengthening opportunities for individualized education—a hallmark of

exemplary undergraduate programs at top-tier research universities. UConn’s enrichment programs at the main and regional campuses enable students to go beyond the classroom to personalize a comprehensive and

challenging experience that will prepare them for our interconnected world. As UConn continues gaining prestige and attracting an increasing number of top students, the need to expand these opportunities is growing rapidly. Through Our University. Our Moment. The Campaign for UConn, we endeavor to raise $20 to $25 million to develop model dynamic programs to educate, mentor and train our students to become leaders and global citizens.

Undergraduate Research

Students are invited to engage in independent or collaborative research, scholarship and creative work as early as freshman year. UConn offers opportunities for undergraduates to work alongside eminent faculty members on cutting-edge research and be mentored by nationally recognized scholars in every college and school. Increasing support for school-year and summer scholarships will enable UConn to offer more students assistance for research materials, living expenses and travel to conduct and present research.

Honors Program

The Honors Program combines the personalized attention and academic challenge of a small liberal arts college in a major research university setting. Classroom and experiential activities encourage intellectual, social and cultural development and prepare gifted students to become global leaders and creative thinkers. This competitive program has become the first choice for an increasing number of exceptional students from Connecticut and beyond. To meet demand, UConn’s goal is to enlarge the program and grow undergraduate enrollment from 8 to 12 percent at Storrs. Through the campaign, UConn will raise support for merit scholarships, domestic and international research, internships and faculty fellowships.

Learning Communities

Living/learning communities enable students with similar majors or interests to live together, attend classes as a cohort and share enrichment experiences. UConn offers seven communities for academic disciplines and seven more for interest groups such as globalization and environmentalism. Another eight nonresidential communities are offered in various disciplines. Combining living and learning fosters friendships, networking and close-knit communities. Private support will be used to enhance the wide range of programs offered. In addition to mentorship and advisement from deans and faculty members, participants benefit from specialized social events, activities, field trips, volunteerism opportunities and professional and leadership development.

Study Abroad

Studying abroad or in other parts of the U.S. broadens students’ educational experience. In addition to honing foreign language skills and gaining cultural understanding, students have opportunities to intern, volunteer, conduct research and develop creative projects. UConn offers 200 programs in 65 countries. Students have options such as joining an international neuroscience research team in Spain, studying studio arts in Italy and working on social entrepreneurship programs in Guatemala. New scholarships will enable more students to study away, and will help UConn achieve its goal to increase participation from 18 to 30 percent.

National Scholarships

The Office of National Scholarships recruits and mentors excellent students to compete for prestigious national and international scholarships. UConn has gained visibility with finalists and winners in major national competitions, such as the Marshall, Truman, Udall and Goldwater. As UConn attracts higher numbers of valedictorians and outstanding students, the need for services is growing. A new faculty fellowship will provide funding for a dedicated faculty member to nurture and advise promising students from freshman year on. The fellow will enhance services and expand the office’s reach, helping more students achieve success and bringing greater prominence to UConn.