News Release

Student entrepreneurs from Connecticut State Community College Housatonic earned top honors and major cash awards during the 2025 Werth Center Elevator Pitch Competition, showcasing innovative business ideas and entrepreneurial leadership on a statewide stage.

CT State Housatonic students advanced through a highly competitive selection process that narrowed more than 50 submissions from across Connecticut to 19 finalists. All finalists received $50 for advancing and full funding for LLC business registration.

Several CT State Housatonic students earned additional top prizes:

• Hailey Diaz (Bridgeport) — $2,000, Frantic Frenzy Production video game concept
• Jenna Briones (Bridgeport) — $2,000
• Moriah Israel (Bridgeport) — $2,000, Home Matters home care services
• Hoang Ngoc Anh Nguyen (Shelton) — $1,000, Lakodo crocheted gifts

Additional CT State Housatonic finalists included:

• Derreck Pruden (Bridgeport)
• Jean Carlos Reyes Contreras (Bridgeport)
• Dannella Scarlett (Bridgeport)
• Maya West (Bridgeport)

Lorenzo Camillo receives a $2,000 for his work in the competition

Each finalist was recognized for presenting a strong business concept during the competition.

The competition was hosted by the Werth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at CT State Housatonic and brought together students from six CT State campuses. Funding support was provided by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship and philanthropist Peter Werth. More than $15,000 in total funding was awarded statewide.

“These events are truly wonderful,” said Matt Connell, Ed.D., director of the Werth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “They provide student entrepreneurs with mentoring as well as funding to help launch and grow their young businesses. The creativity our students bring forward is remarkable—and this competition gives them both visibility and momentum.”

The Werth Center continues to provide students with mentorship, startup funding, and business development resources to support early-stage ventures and economic mobility across the region.

For more information, contact Matt Connell at .

About CT State Housatonic

Connecticut State Community College Housatonic, based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is part of CT State Community College—a single accredited institution with 12 campuses statewide. The college offers affordable, high-quality programs that help students achieve career goals, transfer to four-year institutions, and pursue lifelong

Credit registration is under way for Connecticut State Community College (CT State) Housatonic’s spring 2026 semester, which begins Jan. 23. Classes are offered in person, online and in hybrid formats.

CT State Housatonic offers a wide range of associate degrees and certificate pathways that prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges or direct entry into the workforce. Popular programs at the Bridgeport campus include advanced manufacturing, business, health care, information technology and education pathways. Many courses satisfy general education requirements, and articulation agreements ease transfer to public and private institutions across the state.

Connecticut residents who are first-time college students may qualify for CT State’s tuition-free program. Eligibility details and the application process begin with completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. Prospective students should review the program at ctstate.edu/free-tuition and apply at ctstate.edu/how-to-apply. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis; applicants are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and register early for best course selection.

Noncredit workforce and continuing-education offerings remain open for registration, including programs in health care, IT, manufacturing, and more. Scholarship and funding options — including veterans’ benefits, SNAP Employment & Training, and industry-specific scholarships — may be available. See ctstate.edu/workforce-development/funding-options for details.

“We remain committed to making higher education accessible, affordable and achievable for every student,” said Kamari A. Collins, Ed.D., campus president. “With flexible course options and the availability of tuition-free programs, there has never been a better time to begin — or continue — your educational journey at CT State Housatonic.”

How to apply and register
• Apply: ctstate.edu/how-to-apply
• Free tuition details: ctstate.edu/free-tuition
• FAFSA: fafsa.gov
• Course listings and registration: myCTState Student Self-Service

About CT State Housatonic
CT State Housatonic, located in downtown Bridgeport, is part of Connecticut State Community College, a single accredited institution with 12 campuses statewide. The college provides affordable, high-quality programs and student support that prepare Connecticut residents for careers and further study.

Contact: Sherifdeen Dhikrullah, Public Relations Coordinator, CT State Housatonic
W: 203-332-5086 | C: 475-450-2900 |

Connecticut State Community College (CT State) Housatonic brought the campus community together today for its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, distributing free turkeys and fresh produce to students as the holiday season approaches. The event, held at noon in the campus courtyard, provided bags containing turkeys, carrots, onions, and other vegetables to CT State Housatonic students.

The initiative was organized by the Office of Student Activities under the leadership of Director Medgine B. Bright, in collaboration with the Student Senate, Connecticut Foodshare, Alliance, and other community partners.

Campus President Kamari Collins, Ed.D., and members of the leadership team were also present, underscoring the college’s ongoing commitment to student well-being. Faculty and staff volunteers assisted in distributing food and welcoming students.

“Our goal is for every student to feel valued and supported,” said Professor Emily Munk. “We want them to know that we care about them, and we want them to know that we are thankful for them—especially during this season of gratitude.”

The Turkey Drive reflects CT State Housatonic’s broader mission to address food insecurity and strengthen community ties on campus. With support from dedicated staff, local partners, and philanthropic organizations, the college continues to expand access to essential resources that help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

For additional information, contact Medgine B. Bright at .

Credit registration is open for CT State Housatonic’s Winter Session, which runs December 29, 2025 – January 18, 2026. Students may earn up to four accelerated credits in three weeks — the same course content offered in a standard 15-week term — with in-person, online, and hybrid options available.

Winter Session is an ideal option for students who want to get ahead, catch up, or complete prerequisites. Courses commonly offered include math, lab sciences, social sciences, and humanities — many of which satisfy general education requirements. Visiting students from other colleges may enroll and transfer credits to their home institutions.

New students can apply and register online at no cost for first-time applicants; continuing students may register via myCTState Student Self-Service. For registration steps, deadlines, and class listings, visit CT State’s Winter Session page: https://ctstate.edu/summer-winter.

About CT State Housatonic

CT State Housatonic, based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is part of CT State Community College—a single accredited institution with 12 campuses statewide. The college offers affordable, high-quality programs that help students achieve career goals, transfer to four-year institutions, and pursue lifelong learning.

Contact: Sherifdeen Dhikrullah
Public Relations Coordinator, CT State Housatonic
W: 203-332-5086 | C: 475-450-2900
Email:
CT State Housatonic — 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, CT 06604