The NVCC Foundation supported the Third Annual Women of Color Empowerment Conference

June 2024

The CT State Naugatuck Valley Women of Color Empowerment Collective (WCEC) is a program dedicated to supporting women students of color at CT State Naugatuck Valley. Designed to foster educational success, personal growth, and graduation, the WCEC operates over two semesters, providing participants with structured support and opportunities for development.

 

Central to the program is mentorship, where each student is paired with a mentor for regular meetings aimed at guidance and support. Additionally, students engage in workshops focused on enhancing leadership, communication skills, self-confidence, and expression. These workshops also facilitate discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion, enriching the students' educational experience.

 

In its most recent iteration, the conference attracted approximately 50 high school girls from Waterbury, CT. These young attendees had the opportunity to engage with influential women of color in leadership roles, who shared their personal journeys of achievement and success. By hearing these stories and participating in discussions about education and empowerment, the high school students gained valuable insights and motivation.

The conference also featured a panel of current students from the WCEC program, providing firsthand accounts of their experiences and the impact of the program on their personal and academic lives. This interaction allowed the high school girls to envision themselves succeeding in higher education and beyond.


By reaching out to these young girls, the WCEC not only enhances its participants' educational journeys but also fosters a broader community impact, inspiring and empowering the next generation of women of color in Waterbury, CT. This holistic approach underscores the program's commitment to creating pathways for success and empowerment that extend far beyond its immediate participants.


The program's impact is evident in its outcomes: out of 17 students accepted, 15 successfully completed the program (an 88% completion rate) with an average GPA of 3.4. 


Overall, WCEC serves as an important mentoring program at CT State Naugatuck Valley, providing critical support and resources that empower women of color to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

The WCEC's impact extends beyond its participants to young girls of color in the wider community through its annual Women of Color Empowerment Conference. This event, supported by the NVCC Foundation, was organized and hosted by the women of the program, serving as their capstone project. The annual Women of Color Empowerment Conference serves as a platform to inspire and empower future generations.