Connecticut College students are active participants in the local community. They work with a wide range of community members and professionals in areas of education, health and wellness, economic development, environment and the arts. Among the many community outreach programs that students are involved with are the My Brother mentoring program, Project KBA (Kids, Books, Athletics) and Camels 4 Whalers in New London schools and New London Main Street.
Each year, more than 500 Connecticut College students do internships, complete coursework and work-study placements, or volunteer at more than 50 local agencies and projects. The students serve as tutors and mentors in the New London Public Schools and in after-school programs at the Covenant Shelter, B.P. Learned Mission, the Drop-in Learning Center and the New London Public Library. They participate in a wide range of New London initiatives, including helping to preserve the coast and environment with the Living Museum project and Save Ocean Beach; addressing homelessness issues at the Homeless Hospitality Center; and volunteering at the New London Senior Center, where they conduct oral history interviews and organize a “Senior Prom.” With College staff and faculty, they bring children and youth to campus for language expos, cultural activities, athletics and art projects.
The students are supported in their work by the staff, faculty and budgets of the College’s Holleran Center for Community Action and Public Policy and the office of Community Partnerships.
The College's Jane Bredeson Scholarship covers up to half the cost of Connecticut College tuition for New London residents who are full-time students. Since the program was established in 1996, it has provided $1.4 million in scholarships to New London residents, valued at approximately $72,000 per year. The New London Scholars Program, established by the trustees in 1986, allows several outstanding local high school students each year to take a course at the College at no cost.