Happy Holidays 🎁 & Free College Application

December 22, 2023


 
The holiday season truly is a special time for bringing people together and spreading joy. Whether it's celebrating traditions with family or creating new memories with friends, it can be a time filled with warmth and togetherness. If for any reason you are finding it difficult to enjoy the season, please know you are not alone in those feelings. Reach out to talk to someone, whether that is a trusted friend or by calling 988. If you are military, you can call 988 and then press 1, or text 838255 to be connected to someone who can help. Wishing you and everyone around you abundant cheer, peace, and joy this holiday season!

The state is launching a new, free program allowing local high school seniors to fill out one application that will get them automatically admitted to certain Connecticut colleges and universities. If you're intrigued, please keep scrolling to learn more about the program and find out when the upcoming application deadline is coming.

A Connecticut organization is offering arts scholarships to high school students in several categories including writing, dance, and music. Please read below to learn how you can apply and find out how much money your child could earn with their creative skills.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
  • Griffin Hospital Opens New School
  • Free College Application & Admission
  • Scholarships in the Arts
  • Minimum Wage Increase on the Way
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events and Community Calendar
  • Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
 
Griffin Hospital Opens New School

I attended a ribbon cutting as the Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers officially opened in Naugatuck. The new facility is designed to support nursing students with cutting edge technology and a supportive learning environment to transform them into highly skilled caregivers. What an exciting development for aspiring nurses!

This new school will make a significant impact on the quality of healthcare in our communities. CLICK HERE to learn more about Griffin Hospital's new school and programs.
 
Free College Application & Admission
The state is offering a new resource allowing some high school seniors to apply for certain local colleges and universities for free through the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program. Graduating Connecticut high schoolers, who meet eligibility guidelines, will be automatically admitted to several participating colleges and universities. All they have to do is fill out one application form!

Graduating seniors in the top 30% of their class, as identified by their individual high school counselors, are eligible. The deadline to apply for high school seniors who are graduating this spring is January 4, 2024. The goal of the program is to simplify the application process and make it easier for families to seek higher education.
The colleges and universities currently participating include:
  • Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven
  • University of New Haven in New Haven
  • University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport
  • Central Connecticut State University in New Britain
  • Western Connecticut State University in Danbury
  • Mitchell College in New London
  • University of St. Joseph in West Hartford
  • Goodwin University in East Hartford
  • Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic
Learn More About Program & How To Apply
 
Scholarships in the Arts
Shoreline Arts Alliance is offering arts scholarships to high school juniors and seniors in creative writing, dance, instrumental music, musical theatre, theatre, visual arts, and vocal music. It costs $25 per application, and your child can apply to more than one category.
Winners receive scholarships ranging from $250 to $1,000 and first place winners in each category are provided with professional mentorships. The deadline to apply is January 4, 2024. All applicants receive valuable feedback on auditions, portfolios, and interviews.
Apply For a Scholarship in the Arts
 
Minimum Wage Increase on the Way

New year, new wage! The state's minimum wage of $15 will increase to $15.69 on January 1, 2024, as part of Connecticut’s first-ever economic indicator adjustment.

This increase was made possible thanks to legislation passed in 2019, which implemented five incremental increases in the minimum wage between 2019 and 2023, followed by future adjustments that are tied to the percentage change in the federal employment cost index.

Beginning on January 1, 2024, and occurring annually each January 1, the state’s minimum wage will be adjusted according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s calculation of the employment cost index for the 12-month period ending on June 30 of the preceding year. The law requires the Connecticut Department of Labor to review this percentage change and then announce any adjustments by October 15 of each year. The minimum wage adjustments become effective on the next January 1.

Providing livable wages to the lowest-earning workers is a step in the right direction to help them make ends meet and provide for their families. This increase not only assists hard-working Connecticut families, but it can spur local economies by putting more money in people's pockets, which drives up spending power and makes it easier to pay household bills. Approximately 60% of minimum-wage earners in Connecticut are women, according to the Current Population Survey, calculated by the US. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to support themselves by earning a livable wage through their work, but too many are not able to do so. This change won't eliminate that problem, but it is a small step in the right direction.  
 
Derby Events Calendar
Check out the event below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar.
Stop by for a spiritual night of readings. At least five psychics will be there for private readings. Reserve a spot by clicking here.
Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look and click on the fliers below and check out the button below to learn about upcoming events in Hamden.
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events and Community Calendar
Check out the flier and community calendar in Orange below.
Little ones and their caregivers are invited to explore books, sing songs, and practice interactive nursery rhymes with Ms. Angela at Case Memorial Library. This program includes storytime followed by an optional group playtime. Click here to reserve your child's spot.
Orange Community Calendar
 
Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
Check out the event below and click the button under that to access the community calendar.
Stop by the Woodbridge Town Library at 10 Newton Road to make some cute polar bear cookies! 
Woodbridge Community Calendar