West Haven and University of New Haven partner to offer higher education opportunities to first responders, local students
WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A new partnership between the City of West Haven and the University of New Haven will give first responders and local high school graduates the opportunity to further their education.
'Beginning in the Fall of 2025, every police officer, every firefighter, every 9-1-1 dispatcher, will now be able to attend the University of New Haven covered through a 100% scholarship offered by the University of New Haven,' West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer said.
Borer said this is 'over a $100,000 benefit' for city public safety workers.
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'Really gaining that hands-on practical experience that contributes to job creation and economic development, to have that in West Haven at the university is something so incredibly important,' Jens Frederiksen, the University of New Haven president, said.
Police officers and firefighters News 8 spoke with said it's an opportunity they're excited about.
'With family, life happens, young kids, financially, it's been impossible to get back to school,' Capt. Jacob Urban of West Haven's Center Fire District said. 'Knowing how important higher education is, I'm elated.'
West Haven Police Officer Vincent D'Ancicco added, 'I think this is a great opportunity with working for the city of West Haven and going to UNH [University of New Haven] to further my education, getting my bachelor's degree and maybe my master's degree.'
This initiative also benefits high school graduates.
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'Currently, graduating high school students that reside in the city of West Haven are offered a 50% scholarship if you attend West Haven High School, Notre Dame, and Esums,' Borer said. 'Through our conversations, we agreed that it's important to offer it to all graduating high school students that reside in West Haven.'
That benefit currently stands for city employees, as well.
'We've had that in place for several years, but only two people have taken advantage of it because they didn't know about it,' Borer explained.
Borer also announced the University of New Haven is purchasing North End Field from the city. The lot off Campbell Avenue has been unused for years and will be part of the university's expansion.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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