Education and Training
Pathway to Passion
Every person should be given the opportunity to explore different pathways that can lead them toward their passion. Traditional high school, followed by four years in college, has often been seen as the only pathway toward success. Although college is a great pathway for some to take, there are other options. Some take multiple paths over their lifetime, and/or take advantage of multiple paths and bring it all together. Explore different pathway opportunities below to help you work toward becoming successful in a career you are passionate about!
High Schools
Holy Cross High School is a private high school located in Waterbury, CT and is affiliated with the Catholic Church. The school’s mission is to assist in the total Christian education of young men and women by providing a framework that fosters integration of the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth of every individual. 100% of students that graduate from Holy Cross High School and apply to college or the military are accepted.
Waterbury Career Academy High School is a public high school located in Waterbury, CT and consists of four career pathways, which students will select at the end of the freshman term. The four options include Information Technology and Engineering/Business, Manufacturing, Education and Training, and Health Sciences.
Waterbury Arts Magnet School (WAMS) is a public high school located in Waterbury, CT. The school is a safe and encouraging learning community that promotes 21st century learning expectations through the core values of preparation, service, and integrity.
W. F. Kaynor Technical High School is a technical high school located in Waterbury, CT. W. F. Kaynor Technical High School has been serving the Greater Waterbury area for over fifty years and is dedicated to providing students with an education that combines rigorous academic study and the excitement of learning a technology. The dual education students receive at Kaynor allows them the opportunity to either go to college after high school, or get immediately employed because of the skills they have learned. Kaynor also offers adult apprenticeship courses in-person and online.
Crosby High School is a public high school located in Waterbury, CT. Crosby High School aims to provide students with a creative, innovative, and intellectually challenging learning experience to prepare them for college and other career opportunities.
Wilby High School is a public high school located in Waterbury, CT. Wilby High School provides many programs that encourage independence, creativity, and skills necessary to meet the challenges of an ever-changing technological society. Wilby High School also seeks to instill in all students self-respect, respect for others, and the recognition of their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
John F. Kennedy High School is a public high school located in Waterbury, CT. The mission of John F. Kennedy High School is to promote academic excellence, individual opportunities, and critical thinking for each student. Core values of John F. Kennedy High School include Personal Responsibilities, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Excellence.
Early College High School at Crosby High School offers students the opportunity to earn an Associate Degree in Accounting, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Legal Studies, Management, or Marketing, while simultaneously earning a high school diploma. Students will attend college classes taught by a Post University-credentialed Waterbury Public Schools instructor at Crosby, complete online coursework at Crosby, and/or attend college classes at Post University at no cost.
Local Colleges
Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) is a community college based out of Waterbury, CT. NVCC consists of students of all ages from 50 different countries with varying backgrounds and cultures. Degrees | Career Services Office | Career Pathways | Financial Aid
Post University is an independent, for-profit university located in Waterbury, CT. Post University was founded in 1890 and offers classes to students both in-person and online. Degrees | Career Development Office | High School Academy | Financial Aid
The University of Connecticut (UConn) was founded in 1881. The main campus is located in Storrs, CT, however regional campuses include Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford, and Waterbury, CT. 74% of students that attend UConn are CT residents. Degrees | Career Development Office | Early College Experience | Financial Aid
Eligible Scholars will receive up to $20,000 in financial support to attend any accredited Connecticut based college or university as a last dollar scholarship after all other financial aid has been applied. Scholarships are slated to increase to the full $5,000 award based on the below schedule:
Career and Trade Schools
W. F. Kaynor Technical High School is a technical high school located in Waterbury, CT. W. F. Kaynor Technical High School has been serving the Greater Waterbury area for over fifty years and is dedicated to providing students with an education that combines rigorous academic study and the excitement of learning a technology. The dual education students receive at Kaynor allows them the opportunity to either go to college after high school, or get immediately employed because of the skills they have learned. Kaynor also offers adult apprenticeship courses in-person and online.
Lincoln Technical Institute has campuses in New Britain, Shelton, and East Windsor, CT. The school provides expert-led instruction in popular skilled trade programs and has housing options available. Classes are offered either fully on campus or in a convenient blended learning format.
Porter and Chester Institute offers career training in numerous fields designed to give students the technical skills needed to become a valued employee in today’s workforce. The school offers hybrid, online, and on-campus learning models across 8 campuses. One of the campuses is located in Waterbury, CT.
Manufacturing Alliance Service Corporation (MASC) isa post-secondary school and education foundation dedicated to the development of training programs for the metalworking and manufacturing communities of the Greater Waterbury area. MASC has unique training capabilities and state-of-the-art technology to be able to meet the needs of all students. Since 1996, MASC has helped over 700 people graduate from Waterbury Adult Education and assisted 90% of graduates with job placement in area companies.
Military and First Responders
The Waterbury Police Department provides officers a rewarding career path to those seeking to work in a department that offers innovative law enforcement technology, training, opportunities to serve in specialized assignment positions and the ability to advance through the ranks into leadership positions. The Waterbury Police Department employs 294 sworn officers and 67 non-sworn civilian employees. Candidates must be at least 21 years of age to apply.
The Waterbury Fire Department was established in 1854 and provides life safety and property preservation to the citizens and visitors of the City of Waterbury. Members of the department provide the following capabilities: fire suppression, accident extrications, emergency medical response, hazardous materials mitigation, technical rescue operations, fire scene investigation, and much more. Minimum requirements include high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate.
The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Space Force all have Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs. ROTC cadets participate in basic military education and officer training while receiving higher education just like other students on a college campus.
There are many training options approved by the State of CT Office of Emergency Medical Services for those who wish to become certified in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Candidates who wish to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMTs) candidates must be at least 16 years old and complete an EMT training program in CT with a minimum of 150 hours.
Entrepreneurship / Self-Employment
Look at our video on self-employment, where you can hear Esteban Ramos talk about how important it is to network with local professionals, and other great tips on succeeding on this pathway. The Waterbury Regional Chamber has many networking opportunities through programing and events.
Volunteer Opportunities
Contact Arianna (Ari) Motta to explore volunteer opportunities for your corporate team or individually at amotta@unitedwaygw.org or (203) 757-9855 x114. Outside our
service area? Dial 2-1-1 toll free from anywhere in Connecticut or visit 2-1-1 online to learn about local volunteer opportunities close to you.
Type in “volunteer opportunities” and your zip code on the homepage to find local openings
(203) 757-7734
(203) 574-2287
(203) 757-0411
Waterbury Baptist Ministries
(203) 754-5140