UConn ECE Program

UCONN's Early College Experience (ECE) is a concurrent enrollment program that allows high school students to take UCONN courses at their high schools for both high school and college credit.

UConn Early College Experience (ECE) at DHHS

We are proud to offer the UConn Early College Experience (ECE) program at Daniel Hand High School, giving our students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school through rigorous, college-level coursework.

In 2025, over 19,000+ students participated in the ECE program. Our ECE courses are taught by certified DHHS faculty members who have been approved by the University of Connecticut to deliver UConn-level instruction.

Important Deadlines & Commitment

Please take all deadlines seriously. When registering for or withdrawing from a UConn ECE course, you must follow UConn's official deadlines, not DHHS course add/drop timelines. Failure to meet UConn’s deadlines may result in being responsible for fees or not receiving credit.

Before registering, we strongly encourage students and families to consider:

• The academic commitment required for college-level coursework.
• All registration and withdrawal deadlines set by UConn.
• No exceptions are made for missed deadlines.

Course Fees

• Students are responsible for all course fees assessed by UConn, not DHHS.
• The cost per course is determined by UConn and is not waived if you withdraw after their deadline.
• Financial aid may be available through the ECE program—please inquire directly with UConn or visit their ECE website for more information.

Credit Eligibility

To receive UConn credit:

• You must be officially registered through the UConn ECE program.
• You must earn a passing grade in the course as defined by UConn standards.

Only students who complete these requirements will receive a UConn transcript with earned credit, which may be transferrable to other colleges and universities (based on each institution’s policies).

If you have any questions about the UConn ECE Program, registration, or deadlines, please contact Mrs. Hawley or Mrs. Hahn in the School Counseling Office.

We are excited that so many DHHS students are taking advantage of this incredible opportunity—and we’re here to help guide you through the process!