Last week on March 23rd, there was an event going on for every class at the Alternative Center for Excellence. Freshmen and sophomores took a trip to White Memorial museum, Juniors were busy taking their SAT’s, and the Seniors took a tour of Naugatuck Valley Community College’s two Connecticut campuses – one that lasted the duration of the school day and filled the seniors in on everything they need to know about the college.

The Naugatuck tour began at their Main Street campus – only a few minutes away from ACE. The entrance, surprisingly, was a small, first-floor room hidden among the rest of Main Street’s busy buildings. The inside, though, was shockingly spacious. NVCC staff member and tour guide Scott Farrel led students through the building, answering each their questions along the way.

Students, while shocked by the size of the Danbury campus, seemed to receive a good first impression. “It was small, but it felt like a comfortable place,” said Giselle Hernandez. 

After the Danbury tour, which lasted about 45 minutes, Scott joined the students on the bus ride over to Waterbury – the location of NVCC’s second (and larger!) campus. Students toured the campus’ multiple buildings and sections including the medical, manufacturing, auto, and theater divisions.

Sasha Bratt, the director of NVCC’s theater program, explained that students don’t need a theater-related major to participate. “Students of any major can

take part in my theater program as they wish. It counts towards your art credit requirements, and you can do theater alongside pursuing your primary major.”

Fortunately for students hoping to attend the 2-year college, Scott detailed Connecticut’s financial aid programs and encouraged students to apply – If they don’t receive a Pell grant from FAFSA, there’s still other options available that will allow them to attend college for free.

Naugatuck Valley Community College is a wonderful opportunity for students to begin their college journey. With their wide range of majors and affordable cost, we hope to see a few familiar ACE faces starting at NVCC this fall.