January 22, 2001

Students at UConn have garnered half the awards in a new program to encourage top students to work for science and technology companies in the state after graduation.

Among the 40 recipients of the first Connecticut Innovations Technology Scholar awards announced by Gov. John G. Rowland in December are 20 UConn students, including 13 who are students in the honors program. Rowland made the announcement with President Philip E. Austin at the new chemistry building.

The program combines earned scholarships, internships, and leadership training to support Connecticut's science and technology-based workforce needs.

All Connecticut Innovations Technology Scholars will be able to participate in at least one summer internship with a Connecticut science or technology company.

"The scholarship program helps address the critical need to educate and retain a workforce of technology experts to support Connecticut's new, knowledge-based economy," said Rowland. "The best students can go anywhere in the world. We want them to choose Connecticut."

To launch the program, Connecticut Innovations selected 40 scholars from colleges and universities across the state.

Beginning this spring, scholars will be chosen from the class of graduating high school seniors, who must study science or technology at a Connecticut college or university in order to be eligible.

Each scholar is eligible for up to $12,000 in earned scholarships while working toward an undergraduate degree. Under the program,

Connecticut Innovations is providing $500,000 annually for scholarships to Connecticut science and technology students.

Connecticut Innovations is the state's leading investor in high technology and manages funds and initiatives that promote the growth of knowledge-based business in Connecticut.