CT Career Paths Resource Guide, Cooling Centers, and Free Meal Information

July 15, 2026



The state’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol has been activated once again, it is effective through 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16. Residents are encouraged to take precautions during the heat wave, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and checking on older adults, young children, and other vulnerable individuals who may be at greater risk of heat-related illness. Click here to read the governor's release with prevention tips to stay safe and hydrated.

Cooling centers will be available for anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat. Click here or see below to find a list of active cooling centers, you can also call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org.


FREE Summer Meals for Kids 18 and Under

As our youth enjoy these summer months away from school, don't forget that nutritious meals are available at no cost to all children in the state!

As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program, any child 18 and under may receive meals at participating locations, no application, proof of income, or identification required.

You can use the U.S. DAG's Summer Meals Site Finder or call 2-1-1 to find participating meal sites throughout the state. Please confirm the location and meal service times before visiting to make sure you don't miss out.

Hamden High School (92040 Dixwell Avenue)

  • Monday-Friday until August 7
  • Breakfast 9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
  • Lunch 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Spring Glen School (1908 Whitney Avenue)

  • Monday-Friday until August 7
  • Breakfast 9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
  • Lunch 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Call 203-230-1010 with any questions.

A healthy meal is critical to a child's physical and mental development. I encourage you and your family to take advantage of this great opportunity.


Help Reimagine Hamden's Town Center


Click here to learn more about the Town Center Master Plan Project and to take the community survey.
 


CT Career Paths Guide

The Connecticut Department of Labor has released its latest resource guide, 2025 Connecticut Career Paths, providing tools, strategies, and insights to help individuals explore career opportunities and make informed decisions.

Published by the Department's Office of Research in partnership with the Connecticut Career Resource Network (CCRN), the guide serves as a valuable resource for students, career explorers, and job seekers across Connecticut.

Designed as a quick-reference resource, the guide includes locations and contact information for American Job Centers, the Department of Labor's job bank, career and educational resources, and key government programs. It also features articles on apprenticeships, student success planning, resume design basics, and other career development topics.

In addition, the guide provides detailed information on more than 360 occupations in Connecticut, including job descriptions, current employment figures, projected annual openings, salary ranges, required education and training, and the essential skills employers are seeking.

Click here to access the guide.

Questions about the guide may be directed to the Office of Research at ccrn@ct.gov.


Community Events

On Saturday, July 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Hamden Town Center Park (2761 Dixwell Avenue) come out for the Haven & Exchange Street Park Cleanup. It will be an opportunity to learn about invasive species, how they affect our communities, and their removal. Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes.

Click here to RSVP to attend and participate.