Find Your Community.
Build Your Future.
The Center for Access & Postsecondary Success (CAPS) supports eligible first-generation students as they transition to UConn, develop academically and personally, and prepare for success throughout college and beyond.
Program Highlights
Guidance, belonging, and momentum from the start.
A head start on campus, coursework, and community.
Ongoing engagement that continues through graduation.
Why CAPS?
CAPS is more than a support program. It is a community that helps students build confidence, connect with mentors and peers, navigate college successfully, and prepare for life after graduation. Beginning with the Summer Bridge Program and continuing throughout the undergraduate experience, CAPS provides individualized support that empowers students to reach their goals.
First-Generation Student Support
Guidance tailored to student needs and experiences.
Supplemental Advising
Extra academic guidance to help students stay on track and succeed.
Leadership Opportunities
Ways to build confidence, service, and leadership skills.
Summer Bridge Experience
A strong transition and campus connection.
Four-Year Engagement
Engagement that continues through graduation.
Career Preparation
Support for internships, jobs, graduate school, and next steps.
Your CAPS Journey
Support that grows with you from your first summer through graduation.
Summer Bridge
The Start of Your Journey
- Campus orientation
- College success strategies
- Early faculty & staff connections
- Community building
- Academic preparation
First Year
Build Momentum
- Supplemental advising
- Academic coaching
- Financial wellness
- Success workshops
- Faculty engagement
- Campus involvement
Sophomore & Junior Years
Grow & Lead
- Leadership development
- Peer mentoring
- Career exploration
- Internship preparation
- Community engagement
Senior Year
Launch Your Future
- Graduate school planning
- Career readiness
- Networking
- Transition planning
- Alumni connections
You’re not just a participant—you’re part of a community that believes in your potential and supports your success every step of the way.
What You’ll Gain
Tutoring, study strategies, academic planning, and personalized support to help you reach your academic goals.
Develop meaningful relationships with peers, mentors, faculty, and staff who are here for you.
Build leadership skills through campus engagement, service opportunities, and leadership programs.
Prepare for internships, graduate school, and career success with workshops, coaching, and professional connections.
Programs & Services
Summer Bridge Program
Introduce your UConn experience with academic preparation, community building, and early campus engagement.
College Support Services
Ongoing academic support, coaching, workshops, mentoring, and community throughout your undergraduate journey.
Student Resources
Access tutoring, financial literacy, wellness resources, campus services, leadership opportunities, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Click any question to expand and see the answer.
Who is eligible?
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CAPS is designed to support students who are first-generation-in-college and/or socioeconomically disadvantaged. First-generation students are students whose natural or adoptive parent(s) do not have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Socioeconomically disadvantaged eligibility is based on either receiving the Pell grant or being classified as low-income based on the UConn Institutional Financial Aid application.
How do I apply?
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Incoming First-Year Students: Students can apply to the CAPS Summer Bridge Program by indicating their interest on the UConn Undergraduate Admissions Application.
Current UConn Students: Current students can apply to CAPS through completing the online CAPS application on our website.
What is the CAPS Summer Bridge Program?
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The CAPS Summer Bridge Program eases students’ transition to UConn, introducing them to the campus, the CAPS community, and academic and social transition support before the fall semester begins. Students complete college courses; build relationships with peers, faculty, staff, and administrators; participate in engagement and leadership opportunities; and receive individual advising, guidance, and advocacy to help them transition and succeed at UConn.
Is CAPS only for first-year students?
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No. CAPS support continues students throughout the college journey. Incoming students begin during the Summer Bridge Program. Students who wish to join after they start at UConn can do so at any point in their undergraduate career by applying directly to CAPS.
Interested in
CAPS?
Your success starts before your first day at UConn and continues through graduation.
Reach out to learn more about the CAPS experience, student support, and the community we build together.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Contact the CAPS team to ask questions, request details, or connect with the right support.