New State-Based Graduate Loan Program, High School Summer Pass to Fitness, and May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May 27, 2026

 

I hope this email finds you and your family well. There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on:

  • New State-Based Graduate Loan Program
  • High School Summer Pass to Fitness
  • May is Mental Health Awareness Month
  • Entrepreneurship Info Session
  • Community Events

New State-Based Graduate Loan Program

 

The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) has officially launched the MyCHESLA Grad Loan, a new state-based graduate loan program designed to preserve access to affordable, fixed-rate financing for Connecticut students pursuing advanced degrees following the elimination of the federal Grad PLUS loan program, effective July 1.

CHESLA’s new graduate loan program supports students enrolled in both graduate and professional degree programs.

Borrowers can choose from repayment terms of 5, 10, or 15 years, along with flexible in-school repayment options, including interest-only payments, full deferment, or immediate principal-and-interest payments. Combined, these options provide borrowers with nine fixed-rate offerings tailored to meet a range of financial needs.

Importantly, all approved borrowers have equal access to the same nine fixed rates, ensuring a transparent, fair, and consistent pricing structure.

Fixed interest rates for the MyCHESLA Grad Loan range from 5.50% to 7.99%, depending on the selected repayment term and in-school repayment option. The program offers a cost-effective, borrower-focused alternative to higher-cost private loans, with every available fixed rate remaining below the current federal Grad PLUS loan rate of 8.94%.

Click here to learn more about CHESLA’s loan programs, financial education resources, and application process.

A Way for Teens to Stay Active this Summer

Great news for teens ages 14–19, you can work out for free at Planet Fitness this summer!

With the High School Summer Pass program, teens can enjoy free access to Planet Fitness from June 1 through August 31.

This program gives young people the opportunity to stay active, prioritize their health, and build lifelong healthy habits while school is out for the summer.

Click here to register for the Summer Pass. Parents can also receive one free day pass to work out alongside their teens.

Please note: During the High School Summer Pass program, participants will only have access to the Planet Fitness location they select during registration.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Below are resources available for anyone who may be struggling or supporting someone in need:

  • 2-1-1 General Resources - Available 24 hours a day for crisis support, service referrals, education, prevention programs, counseling services, support groups, and advocacy. Call 2-1-1 for assistance.

  • Mental Health Connecticut - Offers a mental health concierge, art therapy, residential services, and supportive mental health programs. Visit Mental Health Connecticut or call 860-529-1970.

  • CT Support Group - An online peer-led project created by young people to provide connection, support, and community for their peers. Learn more at CT Support Group.

  • Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services - Search for services available in your area through the regional services locator at CT DMHAS Service Locator.

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Info Session

 

If you've considered running your own business but aren't excited about starting from scratch a new program, Evergreen New Haven, will give you the tools and the support you need to buy and run an existing business with a proven track record. 

You are invited to Evergreen New Haven Lunch & Learn session on Friday, May 29 at 65 Audubon Street to learn about Evergreen New Haven and how it can help you buy an existing business instead of building one from scratch. If you cannot attend, send an email to evergreen@ignewhaven.org for more info session dates and access to the application.

Community Events

Movies in the Plaza is back and brings you free Wednesday night movie screenings May through October in downtown New Haven’s Pitkin Plaza (145 Orange Street).

Grab your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and some takeout from a local spot, and spend an evening under the stars enjoying blockbusters, nostalgic blasts from the past, cult favorites, family films, and more.

This event is free and open to the public, there is free popcorn and snacks, and it is a (leashed) pet-friendly event.

The next movie showing is An American Pickle on May 27 at 8:00 p.m.

On Saturday, May 30 (Rain Date: Sunday, May 31) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Quinnipiac River Park  join in on the14th Annual New Haven Family Stroll & Festival. An unforgettable day of music, movement, community, and family fun!

Click here for more information on the Family Stroll.