Category: Community Engagement


Read stories related to faculty, students, and alumni involved in public engagement initiatives.

Connecticut Student Wins Library of Congress’ National “Letters About Literature” Contest

June 14, 2016

The Neag School of Education is proud to announce that a Connecticut student, Aleema Kelly from CREC Montessori Magnet School in Hartford, Conn., is the national winner of the Library of Congress’ “Letters About Literature” contest for Level I, grades 4-6. The Neag School was the 2016 Connecticut sponsor for the Letters About Literature (LAL) writing contest for students in grades 4-12.




Collective Uplift Panel

UConn Students Participate in “State of Black Males in the U.S.” Panel Discussion

February 22, 2016

In honor of Black History Month, UConn students gathered this past week at the University’s African-American Cultural Center for a panel discussion featuring six panelists from two student groups, Collective Uplift and Brothers Reaching Our Society (B.R.O.S.). Panelists discussed issues facing today’s African-Americans, including how Black males are and can continue to “take control over their own image.”

These words, spoken by Joseph Cooper, assistant professor in the Neag School of Education and the founder of Collective Uplift, served as the driving force behind a discussion that touched on self-image, stereotypes, resiliency, and more.


Hands Off: Reducing Restraints in Connecticut Schools

January 28, 2016

Connecticut lawmakers and education leaders seeking to reduce the use of restraints and seclusion in public schools were encouraged this week by two UConn experts who offered a successful, research-driven alternative to addressing disruptive student behaviors. More than 100 people attended a two-hour presentation at the state Capitol on Jan. 27, where professors George Sugai and Nicholas Gelbar described how a prevention and de-escalation strategy known as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) can significantly reduce incidents of seclusion and restraint, while simultaneously improving the classroom climate for all students.



Neag School of Education Selected as Connecticut Sponsor for Library of Congress’ National “Letters About Literature” Contest

November 3, 2015

The Neag School of Education is proud to announce its selection as the Connecticut sponsor for the Letters About Literature (LAL) writing contest for students in grades 4-12. The Neag School was awarded the sponsorship as a result of its sustained commitment to educational outreach in the areas of literature study, reading, and writing.




Renzulli’s Gifted Education Programming Has Positive Impact in D.C.

August 28, 2015

The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) discontinued their gifted education programs in 2005 – and had no plans to serve the city’s most talented learners. But when high-performing students started leaving DCPS for private schools in the suburbs or area charter schools in search of gifted programs, DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson began searching for a gifted education program. In 2012, DCPS turned to Professor Joseph Renzulli, Neag School of Education researcher and internationally known expert in gifted education, for help.