The UConn Connecticut Collegiate Awareness and Preparation (ConnCAP) program motivates and prepares Connecticut students from underserved communities with potential for success, in grades 9-12 and at the post-secondary level.
ConnCAP builds on the success of more than 50 years of working with Connecticut’s first generation to college and low-income students. The ConnCAP program receives funding from the Connecticut Office of Higher Education and the University of Connecticut to provide ongoing support through academic year and summer components at all UConn campuses.
The Academic Year Component
ConnCAP enhances educational opportunities for students throughout the academic year by offering programs and services in 5 key areas:
High School Success
- Tutoring services
- Standardized Test preparation
- Individual and Family Advising
College and Career Preparation
- College and Business Tours
- STEM Workshops
- Financial Aid Advising
- Mentoring
Health and Wellness
- Mental and Physical Health Activities
- Healthy Cooking Instruction
- Financial Wellness Coaching
- Writing for Self-expression Workshop
Personal Development
- Leadership Training
- Service Opportunities
- Team Building Activities
- Personal Branding Workshop
Family Engagement
- Family Workshops
- Family Night Events
- Parent Board
ConnCAP enhances educational opportunities for students throughout the academic year by offering programs and services in 5 key areas:
The Summer Component
During a multiweek on-campus experience, ConnCAP students have the opportunity to:
Complete Foundational Courses
Course topics include:
- English Literature, Composition and Writing
- Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Trigonometry
- Physical Science and Robotics
- Biology and Chemistry with Lab
- Physics with Lab
- Environmental Science
- Economics,
- Human Rights
Cultivate Skills for College Preparedness
Through summer programming, students will learn about:
- Research
- Logic and Reasoning
- Academic Survival
- Test Preparation
- College Preparedness
- Major and Career Exploration
Develop a Well-Rounded College Admissions Profile
Students engage in:
- Social and Cultural Enrichment Activities
- Community Service Projects
Engage in Voluntary Personal Enrichment Activities
Some examples include:
- Sports
- Recreation
- Creative/Expressive Writing
- Art
- Public Speaking
- Leadership
- Culinary Arts
- Digital Design
Students on the Stamford Campus have additional resources and programming, sponsored by the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) and Dominion Energy, that exposes them to STEM experiences and careers. Students selected as part of this program will earn college credit, learn from energy industry leaders, and learn more about careers in STEM.
ConnCAP enhances educational opportunities for students throughout the academic year by offering programs and services in 5 key areas:
Eligibility
To participate in the Connecticut Collegiate Awareness and Preparation Program students must meet one or both of the following criteria:
- Be first-generation to college (neither parent or guardian has a degree from a four-year college).
- The family must meet low income guidelines (parents/guardians’ income documentation will be requested in order to complete the application).
Target Schools
- Bulkeley High School
- Hartford Public High School
- Naugatuck High School
- Norwich Free Academy School
- Stamford High School
- Weaver High School
- Windham High School
