Connecticut Collegiate Awareness and Preparation Program
Build the skills and confidence to reach college.
ConnCAP helps eligible Connecticut students prepare for high school graduation, college admission, and success after enrollment through year-round academic and personal support.
Grades 9–12
Academic Year + Summer
No Cost to Eligible Students
Opportunity throughout the year
ConnCAP serves first-generation students and students from limited-income households through academic-year programming and a multiweek summer experience. Students receive guidance, enrichment, and encouragement as they identify their goals and prepare for what comes next.
The program is supported by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education and the University of Connecticut.
The academic-year experience
Programming helps students succeed academically, explore their future, and grow as individuals.
High School Success
- Tutoring and academic support
- Test preparation
- Individual and family advising
College & Career Preparation
- College and business tours
- STEM workshops and mentoring
- Financial aid guidance
Health & Wellness
- Mental and physical wellness
- Healthy cooking activities
- Financial wellness coaching
Personal Development
Leadership, service, team building, self-expression, and personal-branding opportunities help students recognize and develop their strengths.
Family Engagement
Family workshops, special events, advising, and parent participation help families navigate the path to college together.
Summer at UConn
During a multiweek on-campus experience, students learn, explore, connect, and see themselves as future college students.
Academic preparation
Students take foundational courses in areas such as writing, mathematics, science, economics, technology, and human rights while developing research, reasoning, test-preparation, and college-success skills.
Exploration and enrichment
College and career exploration is paired with community service, cultural experiences, recreation, creative activities, public speaking, leadership, culinary arts, and digital design.
Additional Stamford opportunities
Selected Stamford students may participate in additional STEM programming, earn college credit, connect with energy-industry leaders, and explore STEM careers through sponsored opportunities.
Who is eligible?
Students must meet one or both of the following criteria:
- Be a potential first-generation college student—neither parent nor guardian has earned a degree from a four-year college.
- Meet the program’s household-income guidelines. Income documentation is requested during the application process.
Partner high schools
- Bulkeley High School
- Hartford Public High School
- Naugatuck High School
- Norwich Free Academy
- Stamford High School
- Weaver High School
- Windham High School
Ready to learn more about ConnCAP?
Contact the CAPS Pre-College team with questions about eligibility, partner schools, or next steps.