Josh Elliott

Good news for Connecticut high school seniors. Earning good grades may lead to automatic admission to several public and private colleges and universities through a new state initiative that makes applying to college easier.

Launched in 2022, the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) is available to all graduating seniors in the state who have at least:

• A 3.0 weighted GPA or
• A 2.75 unweighted GPA

With just one application, students are automatically admitted to 10 participating colleges and universities, and the program eliminates common barriers by waiving application fees, essays, and recommendation letters. CAAP is administered by the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system in partnership with the nonprofit organization Common App, which helps streamline the college application process for eligible students.

Participating colleges and universities include:

• Central Connecticut State University
• Eastern Connecticut State University
• Southern Connecticut State University
• Western Connecticut State University
• Albertus Magnus College
• Goodwin University
• Mitchell College
• University of Bridgeport
• University of Hartford
• University of New Haven

After students apply through the Common App, eligible applicants will receive acceptance letters notifying them of their admission and encouraging them to enroll in one of the participating schools. The process requires only one application form and has no application fees.

The application period for Connecticut high school seniors planning to start college in the 2026-2027 academic year is currently open and will remain so until May 1, 2026.

All high school students in Connecticut are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable opportunity. Click here for more details and application instructions.

Several Northeastern states and New York City have formally launched the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a voluntary regional coalition aimed at improving coordination, sharing resources, and strengthening public health capacity and emergency preparedness.

Purpose & Goals:

• Promote evidence-based public health
• Build trust in vaccines and science
• Ensure equitable access to services
• Protect public health through data-driven decisions
• Joint planning on emergency preparedness, vaccines, data, labs, and workforce
• Coordinated guidance for healthcare workers during respiratory virus season
• Collaboration for 2026 FIFA World Cup public health readiness

The first in-person meeting was held this past August in Rhode Island. The states retain independence and may adapt initiatives to local needs. This collaborative aims to reimagine public health through shared innovation while respecting local autonomy.

Click here for more information.

Hamden's Heating Oil Assistance program is available right now. It aims to help low-income households cover related costs over the winter. Eligible residents may apply once a year to receive 100 gallons of heating oil.  This assistance is available to Hamden residents that meet program guidelines.

To kickoff October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, come out and Paint Hamden Pink at the Garden of Hope and Reflection at Hamden Town Center Park (near the red barn). Parking is available in the Miller Cultural Complex (2901 Dixwell Avenue).

Beginning at 4:30 P.M., activities will include a tour of the mammogram van, a raffle for a pink ribbon painted on your street, Reiki, honoring a loved one, and information tables. 

The rain date for the event is Tuesday, September 30.

Click here to register to Fight Plastic Pollution at Six Lakes perimeter (Mill River).

Join the 2025 CT Cleanup on Sunday, September 28 from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.

You’ll be helping stop plastic pollution at its source, before it reaches our rivers, the Sound, and beyond.