Undergraduate students at UConn who have an interest in attending graduate school can take advantage of the holistic research opportunities offered through the Center for Access and Postsecondary Success (CAPS).

CAPS is part of the Institute for Student Success, which houses many programs for first-generation and low-income students to prepare for college while in high school, for incoming first-year students to acclimate and thrive through college at UConn Storrs or one of the regional campuses, or to get involved in undergraduate research projects and prepare for research-focused graduate degrees across STEM disciplines.

CAPS receives funding from the University and U.S. Department of Education’s TRIO programs.

UConn is one of about 200 schools nationwide with federal funding for the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement TRIO Program, which is now in its 13th year.

Students in the CAPS Research/McNair Scholars program begin by participating in professional development workshops, establishing a research project mentor, and engaging in community building activities during the spring semester of their second or third year of undergraduate study when they are selected as Scholar Candidates. They earn the title of either CAPS Research Scholar or McNair Scholar and continue advancing their projects and growing with their scholar peers until they graduate.

During the CAPS Research Summer program, which recently concluded for this year, students dedicate full-time efforts to their research projects for two months and leverage their skills to be competitive applicants for research-focused graduate degrees, while enhancing their social, cultural, and financial capital. These efforts also can take place during a newly established winter program. The final week of the program features a CAPS Research Summer poster exhibit.

“Our cohorts are purposely small because holistic mentorship and undivided attention throughout all semesters and intersessions is a main component and guarantee to all of our students,” says Renée Trueman, director of the CAPS Research/McNair Program. “They all deserve to be heard and seen, and we make sure their application materials showcase their grit, humility, experiential training, and achievements, so admissions committees truly see how well prepared our scholars are for the rigors of graduate school.”

Alumni maintain strong connections to the program as they embark on their graduate degrees. In July, a virtual chat with current students and program alumni provided advice on future plans.

Trueman ensures scholars have had a chance to wholly embark on research every summer so they can genuinely feel like graduate students.

In August and September, the CAPS Research/McNair Program is funding 23 scholars from UConn to travel to national conferences to showcase their research projects, gain further insight about graduate school, and meet McNair Scholars from around the nation.

Trueman also oversees an apprentice, early immersion opportunity for students to shadow for a full fall semester while contemplating application for Scholar Candidate.