Happy Holidays, Shop Local, and 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's a time filled with warmth and togetherness. Wishing you and everyone around you abundant cheer, peace, and joy this holiday season!
We welcomed Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz to my weekly radio show to break down why it's important to shop small during the holiday season. The entire show is available below.

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.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Happy Holidays!
  • Let's Talk About It: Willimantic Holiday Shopping with Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz
  • Connecticut's Automatic College Admissions Program
 
Happy Holidays!
From my family to yours, I want to take a moment to send my best wishes for the holiday season and express that it is my sincere honor to represent you and work on issues that matter to our community and Connecticut.
As we celebrate, we also share many blessings. In the spirit of the season, please spread joy and make these holidays truly special!
I hope the holidays bring you peace, happiness and good health today, tomorrow, in the New Year, and beyond. 
Governor Ned Lamont and I were in the holiday spirit at a recent gathering!
 
Let's Talk About It: Willimantic Holiday Shopping with Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz
Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo joined the first segment of my weekly public affairs show, “Let’s Talk About It,” to discuss the great holiday shopping opportunities in downtown Willimantic. We advocated for shopping small to support local business. In addition, you are much less likely to be scammed at area stores.
You can find many innovative and creative gifts at our downtown stores including Bliss Marketplace, Spiral Arts, Jewels Verne Jewelers, and many other businesses. Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz bought a cupcake and looked at art, records, vintage clothing, jewelry and so much more.
Windham Council Member Bill Sayers joined the second part of the show to break down the economic and political progress in town, which includes a top notch water department. Please click on the video below to watch the entire show.
Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz points out why it's important to shop local especially during the holiday season.
 
Connecticut's Automatic College
Admissions Program

The state is offering a new resource allowing some high school seniors to apply to 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 following colleges and universities are participating in the program:
  • Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic
  • Mitchell College in New London
  • Goodwin University in East Hartford
  • University of St. Joseph in West Hartford
  • Central Connecticut State University in New Britain
  • Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven
  • University of New Haven in New Haven
  • University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport
  • Western Connecticut State University in Danbury
Learn More About Program & How To Apply