Naugatuck Valley Community College hosted a reception honoring 22 Principal-to-President scholarship recipients from 11 area high schools on Monday, June 9 in the Technology Hall Dining Room.

NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D. said she hopes the scholarships, which were applied in academic year 2013-14, encourage high school juniors and seniors to expand their horizons while exploring choices for future post-secondary education.

NVCC awarded the largest number of certificates and degrees in the College’s history this spring. Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Kathy Taylor, J.D., encouraged students and their families to learn about NVCC’s unique academic opportunities, as well as the College’s impact within the community. Special speaker Dr. William Brown, director of NVCC’s Behavioral and Social Sciences Division, reminded students that higher education empowers them with choices, based on the career opportunities and critical thinking skills that the College provides.

The Principal-to-President Scholarship program began as a concept for NVCC in 2008 and launched in 2008-09. The scholarships award high school juniors and seniors within the College's 22-town service region a tuition waiver and book voucher to take a course on the NVCC campus. Credits earned by the student can be applied to any institution of higher education, either as an elective or as one of their general courses.