Center for Access & Postsecondary Success

The Center for Academic Programs general fund supports various CAP programming initiatives. For over 58 years CAP has supported high school and college students in fulfilling their dream of being the first in their families to pursue higher education and earn a college degree.

The Center for Academic Programs (CAP) increases access to higher education for high-potential students who are first generation to college, from low-socioeconomic backgrounds and/or from populations underrepresented in higher education. CAP prepares students for successful entry into, retention in, and graduation from a post-secondary institution. Its various programs serve students at both the high school and college levels. Its programs include Student Support Services, McNair Scholars Program, and High School Initiatives.

Center for Academic Programs Education Abroad Fund assists UConn's Student Support Services (SSS) program in helping more students gain international exposure, awareness and appreciation of diverse populations and cultures, and become inspired to make an impact on and off campus. UConn SSS is an academic and student support-based program housed under CAP that provides students who are first-generation to college, from low-socioeconomic backgrounds and/or from populations underrepresented in higher education with access to the university, with services to help them achieve their goal of graduation, and with programming designed to support their academic, professional, and personal growth at UConn and beyond.

First Generation Pre-Doctoral Scholars Fund supports programming and events associated with the McNair Scholars Program. The UConn McNair Scholars Program is a federally-funded TRIO program designed to prepare students who are from low-income backgrounds, the first in their families to attend college, and/or from underrepresented groups in higher education for doctoral studies. McNair Scholars are offered a comprehensive suite of experiences designed to equip them with skills needed for graduate study. Participants receive critical support from the McNair Scholars Program staff and their faculty and graduate student mentors while they gain the competitive edge that earns them admission to PhD programs of study.

The Maria D. Martinez Scholarship will be awarded to students for professional development (e.g. professional conference attendance), education abroad, research opportunities, alternative spring break and other service-based trips, as well as for books and UConn fee bill expenses. Maria worked in the Center for Academic Programs for over 30 years, starting as an SSS Counselor and ultimately becoming the Assistant Vice-Provost of UConn's Institute for Student Success. She leaves a legacy of providing access to students who are first-generation, have limited income, and are underserved.

The Bidya Ranjeet Experiential Global Learning Fund provides support, without limitations, to participants in various programs within the Center for Academic Programs (CAP) for expenses related to international and domestic educational and cultural programming, including study abroad and study away. A passionate and tireless advocate for educational access and equity, Bidya devoted her entire career to CAP, transforming the lives of thousands of underserved students over the course of 30 years. Bidya began her career as a graduate assistant in Student Support Services (SSS) and served as the Avery Point SSS Regional Coordinator, Upward Bound Director, and SSS Director before becoming CAP Director. One of Bidya’s many contributions to the University is the founding of the SSS Summer Education Abroad programs, which she designed to meet the unique needs of first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students, which has provided access to life transformative education for SSS participants.

Robert L. Brown Fund will provide programmatic support including, without limitation, student support, travel, conferences, recognition, and expenses related to UCAP. Bob worked with high school students in the Connecticut Precollegiate Enrichment Program (CONNPEP)/Upward Bound Program. UCAP has built on his legacy that expands for over 50 years of up lighting the community through education, service, and educational opportunity.

Alma E. Maldonado-Cordner Fund will provide programmatic support for students including, without limitation, student support, travel, conferences, recognition and expenses related to the Center for Academic Programs/Student Support Services. Alma is an education pioneer whose efforts to provide first-generation, low-income students with access to UConn and educational opportunities played an integral role in shaping the UConn Student Support Services (SSS) program. Her passion for developing programming to support SSS students’ academic success at UConn remains one of her greatest contributions to the University.

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The UConn Foundation (EIN 06-6070722) is an independent, not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that exists to support the educational, scientific, cultural, research, and recreational objectives of the University of Connecticut.