Our Purpose

The Vergnano Institute for Impact (VII) at the University of Connecticut’s College of Engineering supports students and communities through engineering and STEM education, outreach, mentoring, and professional development. We create spaces of connection, opportunity, and growth where every person feels valued, supported, and inspired to make a difference. VII’s continued goal is to help students discover opportunities in STEM, succeed throughout their academic journeys, and prepare for meaningful careers in engineering and science. Through intentional programming, collaboration, and advocacy, we turn challenges and hesitancies into possibilities to build a culture of care, innovation, and shared success.

We serve a broad ecosystem that includes undergraduate and graduate students, K–12 students and teachers, faculty and staff, alumni, and corporate partners. Our work includes outreach to the greater public and inreach within our UConn community, creating pathways for learning, leadership, and impact that extend across generations, interests, and disciplines.

Our Values

1. Belonging Through Action
   • We create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected by building trust and community through tangible support and engagement.
2. Progress and Intentionality
   • We champion personal and professional development by equipping individuals with tools, mentorship, internships, and opportunities to achieve, lead and engineer a better world.
3. Collaboration for Impact
   • We break down silos and create partnerships across roles, disciplines, and communities to amplify collective impact.
4. Authenticity and Care
   • We honor the whole person and encourage authenticity and well-being as essential to success and fulfillment.
5. Empowerment for Possibility
   • We inspire bold thinking and action by helping individuals and organizations imagine and innovate what is possible through STEM and beyond.

VII’s Next Level

You are welcome to schedule a meeting with a member of our team or visit us in person at Engineering 2 (E2) Room 320 if you are on the Storrs Campus!