Center for Academic Programs Celebrates 40 Years of Student Success!
By Susana M. Ulloa

“Celebrating a Tradition of Student Success” was the theme for UConn’s Center for Academic Programs (CAP) 40th Anniversary Gala that took place this past October at the Marriott Rocky Hill Hotel, Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Over 200 CAP alumni, guests, and University administrators joined Dr. Maria D. Martinez, CAP Director, in celebrating the Center’s achievements and long history of serving underrepresented populations, low-income, and first generation to college students.

The Center houses TRIO programs, established in the late 1960’s under the leadership of President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of the War on Poverty efforts. TRIO programs were recognized by hundreds of colleges and universities as a vehicle to help thousands of low-income, first generation students who were not getting the much needed academic support to successfully complete a college education. With this knowledge in hand, the federally funded TRIO programs were created and managed by the U.S. Department of Education. Now more than 2,700 TRIO programs currently serve nearly 866,000 students who come from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. UConn’s CAP houses the university’s TRIO programs, which include Student Support Services (SSS), Upward Bound, and Educational Talent Search as well as other educational opportunity programs such as GEAR UP and state funded initiatives.

Over the last forty years, thousands of diverse students have been given the opportunity to succeed in high school, college and beyond through the academic support services provided by the various programs housed in CAP. The gala event gave alumni the opportunity to reconnect with classmates and staff, hear many success stories, and learn how to ensure that efforts like CAP continue to serve students in the future. Also honored were former directors and staff of the Center who have made significant contributions throughout the years to access and educational opportunity for underrepresented populations.

The guest speaker was former UConn Student Support Services student, Dr. Franklin Chang-Díaz, who has gone on to serve our country as the first Hispanic astronaut. Dr. Chang-Díaz spoke about how he was able to accomplish his dream of becoming an astronaut. He attributes this to his SSS counselor, the late Ms. Carolyn McDew, who recruited him and provided the necessary guidance through the college admissions process. Dr. Chang-Díaz graduated from UConn in four years with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He later received a master’s and doctoral degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). After 25 years of service at NASA, Dr. Chang-Díaz founded the Ad Astra Rocket Company.

Dr. Chang-Díaz is one of many alumni who have benefited from the academic support services provided by the Center in the last 40 years. These services have made it possible for many students like Dr. Chang-Díaz to attain higher education and excel in their chosen professions. CAP’s distinguished alumni include attorneys, school principals, state legislators, engineers, social workers, teachers, and business owners. Other alumni have varied professional careers in the fields of education, human services, science, technology, business, philanthropy, and many more. These individuals are making significant contributions to our society and in particular to the populations they represent. Their appreciation of the educational opportunities is demonstrated through interactions with current students and serving as positive role models for the next generation of low income, first generation to college students. The Center continues to play a significant role in closing the achievement gap for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

The main office of the Center for Academic Programs is located at the University of Connecticut, Storrs campus. For more information about CAP please visit the web at http://www.cap.uconn.edu or contact the office at 860-486-4040.