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Eleven Bridgeport students begin college coursework through Connecticut State Community College, creating new pathways to careers in public health

Bridgeport Public Schools is celebrating 11 Biotechnology students who began classes on September 10 as college students in Connecticut State Community College’s Public Health Associate Degree program. The inaugural cohort includes students in grades 10, 11, and 12 who are taking an important step toward exploring careers in public health while still in high school.

The program provides students with an opportunity to begin college-level studies in a growing field focused on protecting and improving the health and well-being of communities. Through coursework in public health, students can build foundational knowledge and explore career pathways in areas such as community health, health education, environmental health, and health policy.

The Public Health Associate Degree program at Connecticut State Community College was launched with support from a $4.2 million state grant through the Connecticut Department of Public Health. The funding supports efforts to strengthen Connecticut’s public health workforce and expand educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in the field.

The program represents an important opportunity for Bridgeport students to connect their interests in biotechnology and science with real-world applications in public health. By beginning college coursework while still in high school, students can explore future career opportunities, develop valuable skills, and take meaningful steps toward continued education and professional success.

Bridgeport Public Schools congratulates all 11 students on this milestone and looks forward to following their progress as they continue their studies. Their participation reflects the importance of providing students with opportunities to pursue rigorous academic experiences, explore career pathways, and prepare for success beyond high school.

Congratulations to our inaugural cohort of Biotechnology students on this exciting achievement!

Bridgeport Public Schools officially welcomed Lizeth Lopez as the new principal of Bridgeport Military Academy during a Change of Leadership Ceremony, recognizing the dedicated service and accomplishments of outgoing Principal Commander Lipp.

Under Commander Lipp’s leadership, Bridgeport Military Academy experienced improvements in standardized test scores, literacy and mathematics performance, and school culture, including reductions in disciplinary referrals, suspensions, and expulsions. The academy also earned recognition as a School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery formally recognized Commander Lipp’s contributions and welcomed Principal Lopez, who assumed leadership responsibilities effective October 1, 2026.

The ceremony reflected the academy’s longstanding military traditions and its continued commitment to developing students through academic excellence, character, leadership, and service.

Bridgeport Public Schools extends its appreciation to Commander Lipp for his years of service and looks forward to continued success under Principal Lopez’s leadership.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery applauds Governor Ned Lamont, Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker, and the Bridgeport legislative delegation for continued support through continued assistance through the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program.

Bridgeport Public Schools is strengthening attendance through personalized family outreach, home visits, and school attendance teams that identify challenges and help students return to class. Chronic absenteeism decreased last school year, with improvements among students receiving specialized instruction and multilingual learners during six months of the school year.

Known as LEAP, the program addresses the reasons behind student absences. Home visitors build trust, provide language support, and connect families with resources to address health, transportation, and other barriers. With $475,000 in new state funding, the district plans to strengthen home visits, family engagement, and resource coordination to build on last year’s progress.

“We cannot improve learning if our students are not in the classroom,” said Dr. Avery. “Last year, we made progress on attendance. Building on that means working closely with families and helping them overcome the challenges that keep children home. LEAP supports that work. I am grateful to Governor Lamont, Commissioner Russell-Tucker, and our Bridgeport legislative delegation for standing with us and keeping our students a priority.”

LifeBridge Community Services has been awarded a $150,000 grant from The Cigna Group Foundation to expand access to school-based mental health services for young people in Bridgeport.

LifeBridge is one of 22 nonprofit organizations across 10 states selected to receive funding through The Cigna Group Foundation’s 2026 Improving Youth Mental Health grant program. The funding is part of the Foundation’s three-year, $9 million commitment supporting nonprofit organizations that help young people, families, caregivers, and youth-serving professionals build stronger foundations for mental health and well-being.

The one-year grant will support LifeBridge’s Bridgeport Youth Mental Health Access Initiative, strengthening its partnership with Bridgeport Public Schools as the district expands its innovative Plus Program from Warren Harding High School to Bassick and Central high schools. Approximately 150 students are expected to have access to school-based mental health services through the initiative during the 2026–2027 grant year.

“We are incredibly grateful to The Cigna Group Foundation for investing in the mental health and future of Bridgeport’s young people,” said Edith Boyle, President & CEO of LifeBridge

Community Services. “Students bring much more into the classroom than their academic needs. Experiences outside of school can affect a young person’s well-being, attendance, ability to focus, and engagement in learning. By integrating mental health care into the educational setting, the Plus Program gives students another layer of support while building on their strengths and helping them continue their path toward graduation.”

Alternative education programs have long provided different pathways for students who benefit from an educational setting outside the traditional school day. What distinguishes Bridgeport’s Plus Program is its intentional integration of academics, mental health care, and trauma-informed support.

The model was piloted at Warren Harding High School this past spring as Harding Plus. Bridgeport Public Schools developed the alternative education program in partnership with

LifeBridge, one of the district’s lead mental health partners. LifeBridge helped support the program’s design and provides its clinical component, giving students access to mental health

care within the same supportive setting where they can earn credits and continue working toward graduation.

“Harding Plus was created around a simple idea: when we understand and respond to the challenges students are facing, we give them a stronger opportunity to succeed,” said Dr. Royce Avery, Interim Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools. “Our partnership with LifeBridge allows us to bring academic and mental health support together in one setting. The early results at Harding show what is possible when students have the right support around them, and we are excited to bring this approach to Bassick and Central.”

The partnership responds to an important community need. Approximately one in three Bridgeport students is chronically absent from school, and Bridgeport is designated as a Mental

Health Professional Shortage Area, creating barriers to timely mental health care for many children and families. Across LifeBridge’s broader youth mental health programs, 44% of young

people served this past year met the clinical threshold for significant trauma-related symptoms, further demonstrating the need for accessible, trauma-informed care.

Early results from Harding Plus demonstrate the promise of combining academic and mental health supports. During the past school year, 108 students reconnected with school and support services, and 55% chose to participate in weekly mental health counseling offered on site. More than half of participating seniors who had previously been off track for graduation are expected to graduate, and among students receiving specialized learning support, 82% improved their attendance.

Bridgeport Public Schools is now expanding the model to Bassick Plus and Central Plus. Funding from The Cigna Group Foundation will enable LifeBridge to expand its mental health

services across all three programs. Licensed LifeBridge clinicians will provide on-site therapy, crisis support, and care coordination and work alongside students, families, school staff, and community providers to support students’ mental health, strengthen coping skills and resilience, and connect families with additional resources when needed.

“Supporting youth mental health requires a collective effort, and strong community partners play a vital role,” said Sara Quist, President, The Cigna Group Foundation. “Organizations like

LifeBridge Community Services are helping young people and families access trusted support, build meaningful connections, and develop the tools they need to thrive.”

By bringing mental health services directly into the school setting, the partnership makes care easier to access and allows academic and mental health supports to work together—helping students strengthen their well-being, remain connected to school, and continue working toward graduation.

Bridgeport Public Schools was recognized by the Bridgeport Islamic Community Center (BICC) for the Board of Education’s recent approval of Eid al-Adha as an official district school holiday beginning in the 2027–2028 school year.

The recognition came during a BICC community event that brought together faith leaders, community members and local leaders for an evening centered on service, unity and strengthening connections across Greater Bridgeport.

The Board approved Eid al-Adha following months of conversations and advocacy from students, families and community members who shared the importance of being able to observe one of Islam’s major religious holidays without missing school.

“This recognition belongs to our students, families, Board members and community partners who took the time to speak, listen and work together,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery. “Our schools should be places where every student knows they are seen, respected and part of the community.”

BICC was among the community organizations that advocated for the holiday’s recognition. Bridgeport Public Schools already recognizes Eid al-Fitr, which was approved as a district school holiday in 2022.

The addition of Eid al-Adha will take effect with the 2027–2028 school calendar.