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NViSION

Naugatuck Valley STEM Inclusive Opportunity Network

The NViSION program is a scholars/scholarship program that supports academically-talented STEM students. Students enrolled in the NViSION program at NVCC are supported financially, academically, professionally, and socially. Support includes providing scholarships for the first two years at NVCC and access to a variety of STEM workshops, seminars, advising sessions, professional experiences, clubs, field trips, and tutoring services that are tailored specifically to the interests of the students in the program. The goal of the NViSION program is to increase the number of academically-talented STEM students that enter the STEM workforce or continue their education at a Bachelor’s degree-granting institution.

This program is made possible through a generous grant from the National Science Foundation. Read more about the grant.

Apply to the NViSION Program

The NViSION Program is not currently seeking applicants to the program. Check back to see when the next application window opens. Be a part of a unique scholars program for students pursuing a STEM education at NVCC. As an NViSION Scholar, you have the opportunity to develop an academic, professional, and social network of peers, STEM faculty, and STEM professionals.

What You'll Receive

Students accepted into the program receive:

  • $1000-$5000 per year for at least the first 2 years of their program
  • Free Summer Bridge Program first 3 weeks of August
  • Free tutoring
  • All-expense paid university tours and STEM field trips
  • STEM workshops, advising, and counseling
  • Opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and/or job shadowing

Student Requirements

  • Students must have a GPA of 2.5 with noted accomplishments in STEM courses
  • Must be a US citizen, permanent resident, national, or refugee
  • Have demonstrated financial need as determined per FAFSA
  • Commit to enrolling full-time at NVCC in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics degree programs until completion of the degree and/or transfer to a 4-year college or university

Eligible Majors

  • Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics Transfer Ticket degree program
  • Biochemistry
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Engineering Technology
  • Computer Information Systems Technology
  • Electronic Engineering Technology
  • Engineering Technology
  • Engineering Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Technology Studies
  • Automated Manufacturing Engineering Technology 

For application information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 203-596-2175.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applications will be accepted until all scholarships are distributed. 

EVENTS

IN THE NEWS

Dec 14, 2023

Diversity in STEM Workshop

The  Annual Diversity in Stem  Workshop was held on October 17, 2023.  Joining us was IBM who shared not only what IBM ‘s New York office is...
Apr 25, 2023

2023 STEM Festival

There were activities for STEM enthusiasts of all ages!  Instructions for many of the demonstrations can be found on the NViSION website (Acad...
Apr 10, 2023

NVCC To Host 3rd Annual STEM Festival at Waterbury Campus

Naugatuck Valley Community College invites STEM enthusiasts of all ages to their 3rd Annual STEM Festival on Saturday, April 22nd from 1 – 4 p...
May 24, 2022

Community STEM Festival

On Saturday April 30th, 2022,  the NViSION Program, the NVCC STEM Club, and the Pond’s Memorial Fund hosted the 2nd Annual STEM Festival on th...

Past Events

Hover over the photo and click the arrows to see some of the exciting events we've held!

  • Urban Air- Summer Bridge 2023 and Cohort F23 with the ST State Provost

    Urban Air- Summer Bridge 2023 and Cohort F23 with the ST State Provost

  • NViSION at S-STEM

    NViSION at S-STEM

  • Southern CT State University Visit Fall 2023

    Southern CT State University Visit Fall 2023

  • STEM Festival 2023

    STEM Festival 2023

  • St. Joseph's S-STEM Conference

    St. Joseph's S-STEM Conference

  • Winter Welcome 2023

    Winter Welcome 2023

  • Summer Bridge 2022

    Summer Bridge 2022

    We had a blast on the New England Science and Sailing Center as part of our summr bridge experience.

  • Spring '21 Semester Welcome

    Spring '21 Semester Welcome

    On January 21,  2021 we celebrated the start of the Spring semester and welcomed five new scholars to the program.  We had a fun time playing STEM Pictionary and getting to know one another.  

  • STEM Festival 2022

    STEM Festival 2022

  • Diversity in STEM Seminar

    Diversity in STEM Seminar

    Diversity in STEM Seminar was held on November 18, 2020, via WebEx.  The speaker, TJ Pruitt, is an Engineering Supervisor at Alabama Power Company. TJ Pruitt shared his career path with us, with its challenges as an electrical engineer and manager. 

  • ASML Engineers Virtual Meeting

    ASML Engineers Virtual Meeting

    On December 1, 2020, the NViSION program hosted a virtual meeting with ASML engineers.  ASML is the largest supplier in the world of photolithography systems for semiconductor industry.  The engineers talked about their career journeys and the work done at ASML in Wilton, CT and around the world.

  • Summer Orientation 2020

    Summer Orientation 2020

    Summer Orientation 2020 was a one-week affair in the midst of the pandemic for the new incoming scholars on August 17, 2020.  The scholars were introduced to the resources they would need in the virtual environment so they could hit the virtual ground running.  On the first day, we met on-ground for in-person introductions.

  • NViSION Visits Southern Connecticut State University Tour

    NViSION Visits Southern Connecticut State University Tour

    On November 15th, NViSION scholars toured Southern Connecticut State University. The scholars will given an exclusive tour of the University’s Center for Nanotechnology.

  • 2019 NViSION Summer Bridge Program

    2019 NViSION Summer Bridge Program

    This past summer, the NViSION scholars participated in a five-week summer bridge program designed to prepare them to succeed academically and socially as college students at NVCC.  The scholars took part in math and English enrichment programs as well as an Introduction to Engineering Technology, a course for which they earned college credit. 

  • NVCC Hosts “The Real Science of Time Travel” with Dr. Ronald Mallett at the Annual Diversity in STEM Seminar

    NVCC Hosts “The Real Science of Time Travel” with Dr. Ronald Mallett at the Annual Diversity in STEM Seminar

    On October 23rd, the NViSION program, along with the Scott Lawrence Pond Fund, hosted Dr. Ronald Mallett from the University of Connecticut. Dr. Mallett spoke to students about his research on time travel, his journey to becoming a well-respected author, and the adversities he has faced as a minority in his path to become a well-respected physicist. 

  • Build a Battery Learning Experience

    Build a Battery Learning Experience

    The summer bridge program also gives students the opportunity to engage with STEM faculty. Dr. Justin Moore, Associate Dean of STEM, made batteries to teach the scholars about chemistry.

  • Pratt and Whitney On-Site Visit

    Pratt and Whitney On-Site Visit

    The summer bridge program also consisted of several field trips.  For one such field trip, scholars visited Pratt and Whitney to learn about the history of jet engines.

  • CCSU Field Trip Fall 2021

    CCSU Field Trip Fall 2021

    NViSION scholars visited Central Connecticut State University to learn more about STEM programs offered and to explore transfer opportunities.

  • 2021 Summer Bridge Solar Car

    2021 Summer Bridge Solar Car

    Students designed and built solar cars and raced them in our 2021 Summer Bridge program! 

  • Scholarships Southern Connecticut State University

    Scholarships Southern Connecticut State University

    Check out scholarships!

Program Expectations for NViSION Scholars

  • Students must be enrolled full time in a STEM degree program
  • Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Students must complete the FAFSA every year they are enrolled in the program and maintain their financial aid eligibility
  • Students are expected to participate in the following activities over their two years in the program: 
 Activity Type  Expected Participation Over Your 2 Years  Suggested Activities
Free Summer Bridge Program

starting July 31, 2023

  • 100% participation for the summer before your first year
  • Activities marked with a * are also expected the summer after your first year
  • Orientation of College
  • Transitional Math, English & Science Program
  • Field Trips
College Opportunities At least 2
  • In-person tour at four-year university
  • STEM Scholarship Workshop
  • STEM Transfer Fair
Job Placement At least 2
  • STEM Resume Workshop
  • Interviewing Skills for STEM Careers Workshop
  • How to find a STEMship
Professional Networking At least 2
  • Annual Women in Science Seminar
  • Annual Diversity in STEM Seminar
  • Overcoming Adversity Workshop
Community Engagement Actively participate in 1 for 2 consecutive semesters
  • STEM Club
  • STEM Competition Group
  • STEM Coach
Social Networking At least 1
  • STEM Fair
  • Bronx Zoo
  • New England Science & Sailing
Professional Opportunities At least 1, ideally after completing your first year
  • Attendance at a professional conference
  • STEM Internship (6 weeks or longer)
  • STEM Job Shadow (at least 20 hours)
  • STEM Research (6 weeks or longer)

    Contacts

    Dr. Rebecca Stadel Binney, PI

    Professor of Biology

    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    203-596-2175 (p)
    Room: Ekstrom Hall E404
    750 Chase Parkway
    Waterbury, CT 06708

    Dr. Peter Angelastro, co-PI

    Professor of Biology

    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    203-575-8185 (p)
    Room: Ekstrom Hall E521
    750 Chase Parkway
    Waterbury, CT 06708

    Dr. Kevin Ramer, co-PI

    Professor of Math

    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    203-596-2152 (p)
    750 Chase Parkway
    Waterbury, CT 06708

    Dr. H. Justin Moore, co-PI, Budget Compliance Officer

    nterim Dean of Academic Affairs, Associate Dean, STEM

    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    203-596-2175 (p)
    Room: Ekstrom Hall E404
    750 Chase Parkway
    Waterbury, CT 06708

    Dr. Virginia Jewell

    NViSION Coordinator

    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    203-596-8632 (p)
    Room: E 403
    750 Chase Parkway
    Waterbury, CT 0670

    Professor Carlos Plaza

    Associate Professor of Math NViSION Advisor

    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    203-596-8785 (p)
    Room: E 405
    750 Chase Parkway
    Waterbury, CT 06708

    NViSION Study Room

    Room: Ekstrom 401
    750 Chase Parkway
    Waterbury, CT 06708