Educational Achievement & Access Program
The Educational Achievement & Access Program (EAP) provides under-prepared students with the opportunity and support they need to obtain a college education. EAP includes a challenging introductory five-week summer program that assists students in developing their academic skills. The program provides the first step toward achieving academic success at WestConn by offering a rewarding “head start” toward a student’s college career.
Academic courses are combined with skills sessions designed to help students develop effective strategies to prepare them for the rigorous expectations of college academics. Individual tutoring is also available to all EAP students.
Program participants become familiar with the campus environment, experience residence hall living, make new friends, enjoy University-sponsored recreational activities, and develop a support network of faculty and staff members to help students throughout their college career.
Over the course of the four years, each student participates in
the Great Hollow Wilderness School experience in New Fairfield, Connecticut. Students develop self-confidence and goal setting skills, as well as learn the importance of team work and social-personal responsibilities. These skills are developed through technical rock climbing, canoeing, caving, backpacking, and meeting the challenge of a high rope course.
The EAP program is a collegiate program under Student Affairs, presently interacting with other departments, especially during the summer session, when the Housing department ensures that staff and dormitories are available for students. Interaction with the study skills, writing, and mathematics labs are continuous throughout the year. During the year, the EAP counselor coordinates faculty meetings with students experiencing difficulties with their academic courses. Also, the EAP staff serves as liaisons between the various departments on campus. In the community, the college program has interacted with the administration of surrounding high schools, particularly Danbury High School and the Alternative Center for Education. In regards to future cross-departmental programming, a proposed EAP seminar will be instrumental in acclimating students to the university and the various academic and student services available. The EAP seminar is currently being reviewed by the Education Department as a three credit, Faculty Development Study course.
The overall goal of the EAP is to enhance the capacity of Western Connecticut State University to meet the needs of academically underprivileged students to successfully obtain a college education. The college program is designed to provide students with on-going counseling support and a five-week summer residential program to foster and develop their academic potential.
EAP Eligibility Requirements
- High School Average of 70 or above
- SAT score of 800 or above
- Letters of Reference (teachers & counselors)
- Essay about career goals and/or academic achievements
- Interview with WestConn's admission staff.
