Connecticut State University Sytem

Why is education important to Connecticut's future?

That fundamental question is the focus of a statewide conversation across Connecticut conducted in 2008 with four Town Meetings, attended by business leaders, educators, community leaders, parents and students.
View Panelists
  • Fernando Betancourt
    Executive Director, Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission
  • Sally Boske
    Vice President, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education
    Executive Director, Connecticut PTA
  • Christopher Bruhl
    Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of Fairfield County
  • Gary Chesley
    Superintendent of Schools, Town of Bethel
  • Christopher Clouet
    Superintendent of Schools, Town of New London
  • James P. Comer
    Yale Child Study Center, Yale University
  • Juan Figueroa
    President, Universal Health Care Foundation
  • David Fink
    Partnership for Strong Communities
  • Noel Hord
    CEO, The Hord Foundation
  • Chandler Howard
    President & CEO, Liberty Bank
  • Linda Kelly
    President, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
  • Fran Rabinowitz
    Superintendent of Schools, Town of Hamden
  • Diane Randall
    Partnership for Strong Communities
  • John R. Rathgeber
    President & Chief Executive Officer Connecticut Business & Industry Association
  • Anthony Rescigno
    President, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce
  • John W. Rowland
    Director, Corporation for Supportive Housing
  • Robert Santy
    President and CEO, Connecticut Economic Resource Center



The connections between education today and prosperity tomorrow became clear as participants sought ways to ensure a vibrant economy and quality of life in Connecticut.

The statewide conversation continues in the months ahead throughout Connecticut, in meeting halls across our state. 

If your organization is interested in learning more about this topic, or is considering a locally-based forum on the subject, video and printed support material is available, as well as potential speakers and panelists. 


Consider the Facts

With dramatic changes in demographics, the advance of technology, and unprecedented demands of global competition, Connecticut's long-term economic strength is in doubt.
View the Statistics (pdf)

Participating Organizations and Agencies

A statewide coalition and the Connecticut State University System (CSUS) hosted an unprecedented series of four participatory Town Meetings during a two-week period in late March and early April. The list of participating organizations in the initiative continues to grow.
View Participating Organizations »
  • Connecticut Association of Boards of Education
  • Connecticut Business & Industry Association
  • Connecticut Office for Workforce Competitiveness
  • American Federation of Teachers (Connecticut)
  • Capitol Region Council of Governments
  • Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents
  • Connecticut Health & Education Facilities Authority
  • Connecticut State University System Foundation
  • Connecticut State University American Association of University Professors
  • Connecticut Small Business Development Centers
  • Connecticut Department of Education
  • Connecticut Department of Higher Education
  • Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges
  • Connecticut Community Colleges
  • African American Affairs Commission
  • Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission
  • Northeast Utilities Foundation
  • The Business Council of Fairfield County
  • State University Organization of Administrative Faculty, AFSCME, Council 4 - Local 2836
  • Community Renewal Team (CRT)
  • Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network
  • Connecticut State University System (CSUS)
  • Charter Oak College

If you are concerned about education and Connecticut's future, consider holding a forum in your community to discuss the issues. Below is information to help you create a community discussion.
Handouts  |  Videos for Discussion  |  Speakers Bureau  |  Photos

Handouts

Use these handouts at a forum or pass them along to members of your community
  • 37 Reasons to get Involved (pdf)
    A listing of key statistics and facts highlighting the connections between education and economic vitality, and the challenges facing Connecticut and the United States.
  • 24 Ways to get Involved (pdf)
    Suggestions of how Connecticut residents can get involved in efforts to support education across the state and help students and the state respond effectively to global economic competition.
Use the CPTV documentary Today's Children in Tomorrow's World to help create discussion
Click here to Purchase the DVD from CPTV

Videos for Discussion

Speakers Bureau

The following individuals may be contacted to participate in panel discussions or speak with local groups and organizations:

Allan B. Taylor
Chairman, State Board of Education
Attorney at Law, Day Pitney LLP
242 Trumbull Street, Hartford CT 06103-1212
860-275-0225

Diane Randall, Director
David Fink, Policy and Communications Director
Partnership for Strong Communities
860-244-0066

Dr. David G. Carter, Sr.,
Chancellor
Connecticut State University System
860-493-0011

Chris Clouet
Superintendent of Schools
New London, CT
860-437-3303

Fran Rabinowitz
Superintendent of Schools
Town of Hamden
203-407-2000

Robert Rader
Executive Director
Connecticut Association of Boards of Education
860-571-7446

Noel Hord
CEO
The Hord Foundation
203-798-3691

Juan A. Figueroa
President
Universal Health Care Foundation of CT
203-639-0550

Dr. Evan Pitkoff
Executive Director
C.E.S.
203-365-8803

Lyle D. Wray, PhD, Executive Director
Capitol Region Council of Governments
860-522-2217 ext. 232

Robert W. Santy
President & CEO
Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc.
860-571-6200

Photo Gallery

An exhibit including 8 images with related stats made its debut at the State Capitol/Legislative Office Building in February, and will return for a two-week display April 1-15.

It is available for organizations, businesses, libraries, and community groups to display.

Contact CPTV for additional information.

Adults 18 and older with a master's, professional or doctoral degree earned an average of $79,946, while those with less than a high school diploma earned about $19,915. U.S. Census Bureau, March 2007

For every dollar invested in high-quality early care and education for low income 3 and 4 year olds, there is $16 return on investment. High/Scope Perry pre-school study

In Connecticut, it costs over $44,000 a year to keep someone in prison, and $12,000 a year to keep them in school.

Nearly 30% of college freshmen nationwide must enroll in a remedial course because they are not prepared for college-level work.
Achieve Inc., April 2007

By 2020, nearly half of the 25-29 year olds in Connecticut will be individuals of color.
Achieve Inc., April 2007

Out of all 9th graders, only 40% will enter college right out of high school, and just 18% of those will graduate by their 25th birthdays.
Governing, September 2007

Connecticut now ranks 44th among the states in the growth of technology capability and 40th in the growth of human capital, a critical component to the amount of output an economy produces. –Benchmarking Connecticut 2007, Connecticut Economic Resource Center, 2008

In Connecticut each year, 13,000 students drop out of high school. And 8 percent of the state's strongest academic students do not continue on to higher education Next Steps: The Role of Education in Preparing for Quality Workforce, January 2008

Photos from the 2008 town meetings in Danbury, Willimantic, New Britain, and New Haven:


The 2008 Town Meetings, free to the public, featured panels of business, education and community leaders. Audience participation was a critical component. Excerpts from each meeting, and more, can be found below:

2008 Town Meeting Highlights