UConn Department of Public Policy – Encore!Fairfield County – Program Begins November 1

In fall 2016, The University of Connecticut Nonprofit Leadership Program successfully launched Encore!Fairfield County. The program created an opportunity for more Connecticut residents to participate in the Department of Public Policy’s award-winning program providing professionals age 50 and older in the state with a prestigious development experience assisting with a transition from a corporate career to one in the nonprofit sector. The Fairfield County offering is modeled after Encore!Hartford, entering into its eighth year and holds an impressive track record with 91% of participants finding employment (70% full-time), and 73% of those employed landing in the nonprofit sector.

Encore!Fairfield County – a four-month program of deep immersion in the Fairfield County nonprofit sector – is designed to address two critical needs: reduce professional sector unemployment in Fairfield County and increase the capacity of local nonprofits. The curriculum includes sixty-plus hours of transition education in the areas of nonprofit leadership, development, accounting, governance and strategic management.  The program is capped with a two-month fellowship applying the participants’ experience and skills to a challenging project while learning the work and culture of an area nonprofit.

AARP Connecticut – a strong partner for Encore!Hartford – will again provide support for Encore!Fairfield County, which includes $10,000 for partial or full scholarships for accepted members of the 2017 class, which begins November 1. Applicant review is based on the purposeful career direction of the applicant, transferable experience to benefit the nonprofit field and financial need. Scholarships are not constrained by age, although added consideration will be given to individuals 50 years of age and older.

Applications for one of the 25 seats are being accepted now until October 13. Acceptance will be awarded through a competitive selection process based on applicant’s skills and potential for success in the nonprofit sector. The program fee is $ 3,950. Additional information and an application can be found on the Encore!Fairfield County website.