For many Danbury High School students, the dream of attending college comes with challenges, especially those with parents who never had the opportunity to pursue higher education. Without proper guidance, navigating applications, scholarships, and college requirements can feel overwhelming. That’s where ConnCAP/Upward Bound steps in.

ConnCAP/Upward Bound, a state and federally funded program under Western Connecticut State University (WCSU), is designed to assist first-generation college students by providing the resources and support necessary to navigate the path to higher education. Through academic support, leadership development, and college preparation, the program equips DHS students with the skills and resources necessary for college success.

ConnCAP/Upward Bound is specifically open to DHS students whose parents do not have a college degree and whose main goal is to earn one. It provides tutoring, mentoring, college visits, and leadership opportunities during the academic year, as well as a 6-week summer program at WCSU. The program not only strengthens academic skills but also builds confidence and responsibility, essential traits for future success.

From assisting with scholarship applications to offering college-level courses during the summer, the program helps students build strong resumes while fostering personal growth. Maria Lalvay, a DHS alumna and current freshman at Fordham University, credits the program with guiding her through the college application process and securing a full-ride scholarship. “Without Upward Bound, I wouldn’t have had the resume that [I do now] because I wouldn’t know where to go or [what] to do,” she shared.

Lalvay first joined the program at the end of eighth grade, driven by her goal of attending college and her mother’s encouragement. She recalls how Upward Bound kept her organized, ensuring that crucial tasks like college applications and extracurricular involvement were completed on time. “If I had done it on my own, everything would have taken me way longer, or I would have forgotten about it entirely,” she admitted. The program’s support helped her not only stay on track but also take advantage of valuable opportunities, such as Pipeline courses that allowed her to take college-level classes during the summer.

Beyond academic preparation, the program emphasizes leadership, community involvement, and personal growth. Students are required to complete 12 hours of community service per school year, but many are encouraged to go beyond that because, as the program advisors stress, scholarships favor well-rounded students. Lalvay’s experience proves this point; having the advantages that she had with this program ultimately granted her full tuition coverage at Fordham. 

Upward Bound fosters a sense of community among students, ensuring that they feel supported throughout their high school years. Lalvay highlights the program’s balance between structure and enjoyment, especially during the summer, recalling events like the “Adulting 101” workshop, which taught seniors about financial responsibility, and summer activities that allowed students to unwind. “For the first time, I felt like I could get a break because they required us to have one,” she said. “We got time to socialize, have fun, and just be kids.”

At DHS, there is an office across the cafeteria, room B212C, dedicated to the program, where students build a sense of community across all grade levels. The office fosters a welcoming environment where students from all grades can connect, seek advice, and support one another without the typical barriers between underclassmen and upperclassmen. Another way the program strengthens these connections is through monthly group meetings that bring all the grade levels together.

Carmen Cornacchia, a site advisor for the program, reinforces the impact that ConnCAP/Upward Bound has on students. “Our whole purpose is to get our students to college. We work with them throughout their high school journey to ensure they are prepared academically and personally,” she explained. Many students agree that Cornacchia is dedicated to helping them thrive, as she takes the time to learn about them personally to figure out what path is the perfect fit for them. She continuously provides the support that many students might not otherwise receive, from organizing college visits before the summer to having one-on-one sessions with them.

Despite its benefits, many DHS students are unaware that the program exists. For students who are serious about attending college, applying to Upward Bound could be a game changer. The program is currently accepting applications, and interested students can find more information at www.wcsu.edu/pcaap/upward-bound/.

“If you want to go to college but don’t know where to start, this program will make it so much easier,” said a current participant. “Upward Bound gave me the confidence and resources I needed to make college a reality.”

With a strong support network and valuable resources, ConnCAP/Upward Bound continues to pave the way for DHS students to achieve their college dreams.