V.I.T.A.L. Education
Adult Education Choosing A Career Path Construction Trades Financial Aid CT Colleges and Universities CT Trade and Vocational Schools Educational Services and Support Through DCF Job-Corps (in Connecticut) Selecting A College
When one loves what they do for work and can thrive with healthy compensation many dreams are possible. Choosing the right education can lead a person down this path.
As is true with many areas of life, one size does not fit all, and there are many "right" answers. As you begin to explore your options, remember to stay connected to people that can offer motivation, support, experience, and guidance. Consider guidance counselors and teachers from schools you have attended as well as the professionals from the places of learning you are applying to help you on your journey. Social Workers, foster parents, and mentors may also be wonderful supports.
Once you become connected to a program or institution of learning your social network will broaden and you will have support options for career placement, references, and opportunities that you did not know existed before you began your search.
This webpage is the designed for you to begin to explore a broad range of possibilities with resources that will help you take your next steps forward.
College Tips with Brigitte
Adult Education and Finishing High School
Adult Education programs are free to Connecticut residents aged 17 and older who are no longer enrolled in a public school. Instructional programs are provided predominantly through local school districts. Programs are also available through various community and faith-based organizations.
- Adult Education and Finishing High School A town by town directory of education providers
- Connecticut Technical Information and Career System Adult Education Site
- Getting A GED in Connecticut
CHOOSING A CAREER PATH
GETTING FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS
- Advice and Resources for getting Scholarships
- Federal Student Aid, An office of the US Department of Education
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)- Application, Guidance, and Frequently Asked Questions
- The FAFSA opens October 1—here’s how to complete it, in 6 simple steps
- Sallie Mae - Is a Bank focusing on Loans for students. Advice page with application software and guidance
Federal Financial Aid
- Apply for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)
CONNTAC: Additional Scholarship and financial support
Mission Statement: The mission of CONNTAC is to promote and expand equal educational access and opportunity for Connecticut residents. CONNTAC advocates issues and provides support services for residents from low-income, first generation educational backgrounds to give them reasonable, realistic opportunities to succeed and be empowered socially and economically.
Contact Information:
Wendy Jackson- 860-723-7217 Wendy.Jackson@CT.GOV
Maria Pastorelli- 860-560-5013 Maria.Pastorelli@CT.GOV
USD2 Superintendent Office: Matt Folan- 860-550-6331 DCFEDUCATIONMAILBOX@CT.GOV
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AND SUPPORT THROUGH DCF
Allowable Expenditures:
- Tuition and Fees
- Room and Board
- Books and Supplies
- Stipend
Additional Services for Youth Under 21:
- Tutoring
- Health Care
- Transportation during educational breaks (for out of state youth to return home)
- Living stipend
- Case management services
- Housing start up expenses and furniture
What is it? The Education Training Voucher (ETV) program awards grants to current and former foster youth to help pay for college or specialized education program. ETV grants are funded by the federal government and administered by the states. In most states eligible students may receive grants of up to $5000.00 per academic year.
Who is Eligible? Foster youth, Adoption, Subsidized Adoption and/or *Kinship guardianship youths AFTER the age of 16 are eligible.
How to apply: Look out for a letter/application in the Spring (usually April/May) from DCF
ETV funding- Contact Wendy Jackson- 860-723-7217 Wendy.Jackson@CT.GOV
Financial Assistance Requirements:
- Per Policy is required to be completed annually
- A financial award letter and itemized bill is required to complete the form
- New document in Policy- Combines the financial budget for adoption and Foster care youth.
- A max budget is based on the Connecticut State University Colleges in state tuition
- Youth are responsible for any loans outside of budget
- Any request for additional funding outside of policy guidelines require consultation with PSE staff and may require Commisisoner approval
- Per Policy - DCF 632 Must be sent to CWA's Linda Gant annually
Getting to Know Colleges:
- Albertus Magnus College, New Haven, Private (Catholic)
- Asnuntuck Community College, Enfield, Public
- Capital Community College Hartford, Public
- Central Connecticut State University New Britain, Public
- Charter Oak State College, New Britain, Public
- Connecticut College, New London, Private
- Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, Public
- Fairfield University, Fairfield, Private (Catholic)
- Gateway Community College, New Haven, Public
- Goodwin College, East Hartford, Private Health professions school
- Hartford Seminary Hartford, Private Faith-related institution
- Holy Apostles College and Seminary, Cromwell, Private (Catholic) Faith-related institution
- Housatonic Community College, Bridgeport, Public
- Manchester Community College, Manchester, Public
- Middlesex Community College, Middletown, Public
- Mitchell College, New London, Private
- Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury, Public
- Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted, Public
- Norwalk Community College, Norwalk, Public
- Paier College of Art, Hamden, Private Arts school
- Post University Waterbury, Private
- Quinebaug Valley Community College, Danielson, Public
- Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Private
- Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Private (Catholic)
- Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, Public
- Three Rivers Community College, Norwich, Public
- Trinity College, Hartford, Private (Catholic)
- Tunxis Community College, Farmington, Public
- United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Public (federal)
- University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, Private
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, Public
- University of Hartford, West Hartford, Private
- University of New Haven, West Haven, Private
- University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, Private(Catholic)
- Wesleyan University, Middletown, Private
- Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, Public
- Yale University, New Haven, Private
JOB-CORP Programs local to Connecticut:
Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16 to 24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training.
- Hartford Job Corp Academy
- New Haven Job Corp Center
- Westover Job Corps Center, offers six pre apprenticeships at no cost to low income youth (ages 16-24) in the following fields: Building Construction Tech, Brick Masonry, Carpentry, Welding, Electrical and Plumbing.
- Grafton Job Corps Center offers Career Technical Training Programs in Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing.
- Shriver Job Corps Center offers construction training programs in carpentry, cement masonry, and painting.
- Exeter Job Corps Center, Exeter, RI, offers training programs in manufacturing technology, welding, carpentry, and more.
Connecticut Technical Information and Career System
The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) is the largest high school system in Connecticut, serving all geographic regions and all demographic and diverse populations. We currently operate 17 diploma-granting technical high schools, one technical education center and two aviation maintenance programs located throughout the state.
The system serves approximately 11,200 full-time high school students. We offer a comprehensive high school and Career Technical Education in 31 occupational careers. The occupational careers are within 12 career clusters. In addition, the CTECS serves adult education students in various health service fields, aviation and apprenticeships programs.
Porter Chester Institute
Branford, Enfield, Rocky Hill, Stratford, Waterbury:
- Automotive Technology
- Computer Aided Drafting & Design (CADD)
- Computer & Network Technology
- Cosmetology
- Electrician: Industrial, Commercial, Residential
- Electronics Systems Technician
- HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration)
- Dental Assisting
- Medical Assisting
- Plumbing
- Practical Nursing
New Britain, Shelton, East Windsor, Hartford:
Connecticut Based Programs:
- Automotive Technology
- Collision Repair and Refinishing
- Culinary Arts
- Diesel Technology
- Electrical / Electronics
- HVAC
- International Baking and Pastry
- Machining and Manufacturing
- Medical Assistant
- Practical Nursing
- Welding Technology
Somers, Bridgeport:
- CDL COMMERCIAL TRUCK DRIVING
- HVAC SERVICE TECH TRAINING PROGRAM
- INDUSTRY SAFETY TRAINING SERVICES
American Institute
West Hartford:
- Administrative Office Professional
- Dental Assisting
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- ESL – English as a Second Language
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Coding and Billing
- Nurse’s Aide – FastTrack
Branford Hall Career Institute
Connecticut Based Programs, Branford, Southington:
- Health Claims Specialist
- Medical Assistant
Branford:
- Cosmetology
- Barbering
- Esthetics
- Make-up
- Nail Technician
- Eyelash Extensions
Construction Education Center
The mission of the Construction Education Center is to provide standardized training in order to prepare individuals for gainful employment and long-term opportunities in the construction industry.
- Carpentry
- Electrical
- HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning)
- Plumbing
- Sheet Metal
Construction Workforce Initiative 2, Inc. (CWI2) is a federally recognized workforce development 501(c)3 organization that funnels quality trained crafts persons for the building trades and statewide employers. CWI2's model has developed into a cross county and cross-industry reaching service that not only provides construction training & placement but builds incredible partnerships with employers, contractors, unions and universities.
The Construction Workforce Initiative accepts applications from the public for construction training.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Can Pass a Drug Test
- Drivers License with Reliable Transportation
- High School Diploma or GED (with transcripts)
Women, Minorities, New Haven County residents, and Fairfield County residents are encouraged to apply.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to email the Construction Workforce Initiative 2 (info@cwi2.com), give us a call at 203-891-6897.
CWI2 will be accepting applications from New Haven County and Fairfield County residents.
BuildConnecticut.com was created and developed by the Connecticut Construction Industries Association [CCIA] and the Associated General Contractors of Connecticut [AGC/CT] to educate high school and college students, veterans and job seekers on the many options and benefits of choosing a career in construction.
- Administrative and Professional Support
- Apprenticeship Programs
- Design & Engineering
- Management
- Skilled Trades
Call 1-800-841-0478
Any operator who wants to work in a construction or in any related type of industries requires an initial training and certification from a heavy equipment school so that they can be supplied with competency, if you’re looking for a school, here’s where you can enroll:
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478
240 Cheshire Rd.
Meriden, Connecticut 06451
270 Middle Turnpike, Unit 5202,
179 Middle Turnpike, Unit 5202 Storrs,
860-486-5718
Local 478 Training-Licensing-Apprenticeships