Ellen,
This sounds like a great idea, though I have just one thought to share; there's already the Connecticut FIRST organization. (website at
www.ctfirst.org). Since many of the aims of these two organizations overlap, perhaps in the long run it would be better to channel all these efforts into a single, stronger organization for Connecticut.
I would suggest contacting Kathie Kentfield or Mike Betts, to see if there's any way that your team would be able to work with Connecticut FIRST to bring your ideas to fruition, as they are already working towards several of your stated goals.