Pre-Collegiate &
Access Programs

Pre-Collegiate & Access Programs

Empowering our Community

The Western Connecticut State University Pre-Collegiate and Access Programs include the following programs: Danbury Public Schools Collaborative, Upward Bound/ ConnCAP, Excel, EA²P(Educational Achievement and Access Program) and PASS (Promoting Academically Successful Students).

  • Student Support Services
  • The WCSU SSS program is a federally funded program dedicated to helping eligible students succeed academically, personally, and professionally. From personalized tutoring to career guidance and financial literacy, TRIO SSS provides students with the tools and support they need to thrive from their first year through graduation at WCSU.  If you’re a first-generation student, meet income guidelines, or have a documented disability, discover how TRIO SSS can help you build a strong foundation for your future. 

    Learn more about the WCSU SSS Program 
    Application Information

  • EA²P Bridge Program
  • The WCSU EA²P Bridge Program is designed to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their academic pursuits and open doors to higher education. Available to full-time and first-time students, EA²P Bridge supports students from diverse backgrounds in their pursuit of higher education, address academic readiness, skills development, and personalized support.

    Learn more about the EA²P Bridge Program
    EA²P Bridge Services
    Application Information

  • PASS Program
  • The Western Connecticut State University PASS Program, sponsored by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, is designed to enable minority and students in underserved populations to make progress towards their academic goals and get back into good academic standing. Using the peer support model and caseload approach, the WCSU PASS program will provide the following services to assist the academic and social development of its participants.

    1. Peer mentors meet with PASS participants to work on study skills, test-taking strategies, and advocacy.
    2. Peer mentors help make students feel more included by developing self-advocacy skills through modeling behavior associated with successful academic progress.
    3. Participants attend weekly meetings with support professionals who will address study skills, financial aid questions, career opportunities, and other campus navigation issues.
    4. Participants receive essential course materials and equipment.

    To learn more about participating in the PASS Program, please contact Yara Zoccarato, (203) 837-9399, zoccaratoy@wcsu.edu.

  • ConnCAP/Upward Bound
  • The Western Connecticut State University ConnCAP / Upward Bound Programs are an opportunity for high school students to develop their academic potential and achieve their goal of admission into a post-secondary educational program. The program serves Danbury High School students in families where neither parent has completed a 4-year college degree and/or low-income families whose taxable income is within state and federal eligibility guidelines. Learn more about the Danbury Public Schools Collaborative/Upward Bound program Danbury Public Schools Collaborative/Upward Bound Services Eligibility Guidelines Application Information
  • Excel Program
  • The Western Connecticut State University Excel / Danbury Public Schools Collaborative Program is an opportunity for middle school students, in grades 7 and 8,  to develop their academic potential and achieve their goal of admission into a post-secondary educational program upon completion of high school. The program serves Broadview,  Rogers Park and Westside Middle School students in families where neither parent has completed a 4-year college degree and/or low-income families whose taxable income is within our eligibility guidelines

    Learn more about the Excel program
    Excel services
    Eligibility Guidelines
    Application Information

The WCSU SSS program is a federally funded program dedicated to helping eligible students succeed academically, personally, and professionally. From personalized tutoring to career guidance and financial literacy, TRIO SSS provides students with the tools and support they need to thrive from their first year through graduation at WCSU.  If you’re a first-generation student, meet income guidelines, or have a documented disability, discover how TRIO SSS can help you build a strong foundation for your future. 

Learn more about the WCSU SSS Program 
Application Information

The WCSU EA²P Bridge Program is designed to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their academic pursuits and open doors to higher education. Available to full-time and first-time students, EA²P Bridge supports students from diverse backgrounds in their pursuit of higher education, address academic readiness, skills development, and personalized support.

Learn more about the EA²P Bridge Program
EA²P Bridge Services
Application Information

The Western Connecticut State University PASS Program, sponsored by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, is designed to enable minority and students in underserved populations to make progress towards their academic goals and get back into good academic standing. Using the peer support model and caseload approach, the WCSU PASS program will provide the following services to assist the academic and social development of its participants.

  1. Peer mentors meet with PASS participants to work on study skills, test-taking strategies, and advocacy.
  2. Peer mentors help make students feel more included by developing self-advocacy skills through modeling behavior associated with successful academic progress.
  3. Participants attend weekly meetings with support professionals who will address study skills, financial aid questions, career opportunities, and other campus navigation issues.
  4. Participants receive essential course materials and equipment.

To learn more about participating in the PASS Program, please contact Yara Zoccarato, (203) 837-9399, zoccaratoy@wcsu.edu.

The Western Connecticut State University ConnCAP / Upward Bound Programs are an opportunity for high school students to develop their academic potential and achieve their goal of admission into a post-secondary educational program. The program serves Danbury High School students in families where neither parent has completed a 4-year college degree and/or low-income families whose taxable income is within state and federal eligibility guidelines. Learn more about the Danbury Public Schools Collaborative/Upward Bound program Danbury Public Schools Collaborative/Upward Bound Services Eligibility Guidelines Application Information

The Western Connecticut State University Excel / Danbury Public Schools Collaborative Program is an opportunity for middle school students, in grades 7 and 8,  to develop their academic potential and achieve their goal of admission into a post-secondary educational program upon completion of high school. The program serves Broadview,  Rogers Park and Westside Middle School students in families where neither parent has completed a 4-year college degree and/or low-income families whose taxable income is within our eligibility guidelines

Learn more about the Excel program
Excel services
Eligibility Guidelines
Application Information

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  • Good luck on finals this week! 📚🐺

Remember to take breaks, stay hydrated, get some sleep, and trust all the hard work you’ve put in this semester. The PCAAP team is cheering you on every step of the way. Finish strong, you got this! 💙🧡

#WCSU #WestConn #FinalsWeek #PCAAP
  • 🎉 Congrats again to our SSS winner, Katya Nweeia! 

#GoWolves 🐺 #WCSU #SSSProgram #PCAAP #StudentSuccess
  • 🎉 Congrats again to our SSS winner, Chrismery Nunez

Make sure to stop by Berkshire Dining Hall next week for more chances to win, connect, and learn about the SSS Program 📚✨

Don’t miss out!

#GoWolves 🐺 #WCSU #SSSProgram #PCAAP #StudentSuccess
  • 🎉 SSS Raffle Winners Announced! 🎉

Big congrats to our winners:
🥇 Bazan Devallon
🥈 Chrismery Nunez
🥉 Katya Nweeia

Thank you to everyone who participated 🙌

Want opportunities like this + support throughout your college journey?
📚✨ Sign up for the SSS Program today!

#GoWolves 🐺 #WCSU #SSSProgram #StudentSuccess #PCAAP
  • Cooking up something special for our PCAAP End of the Year Ceremony next Wednesday 4/29 🧪🐺
The team is in full prep mode!
 
We can’t wait to see you all there!🧡💙
  • Need a job that looks good on your resume AND fits your schedule? 👀

Join the PASS Mentor team this Fall 2026 💙
Get paid, help students, and be part of something meaningful.

⏰ Flexible hours
📚 Great experience
💼 Paid training

Don’t miss the deadline: June 30th!
#WCSU #CampusLife #StudentEmployment
  • Need help reaching your goals this semester? 📚✨
SSS TRIO is here for YOU — from tutoring and mentoring to financial aid and career guidance.

🚨 Priority Deadline: May 15th
📲 Scan the QR code to apply now!

Don’t miss out on support that can make a real difference. #WCSU #TRIO #StudentSuccess
  • Its Masters week come on down to Warner Hall (the best place on campus) to enjoy a little golf, and learn about SSS! We’ll also be here on Saturday for Accepted Students Day!! 
#wcsu #pcaap #gowolves #mastersweek
  • 🔥 UNO Game Tournament!
🏆 Top 3 win prizes
🎶 Live DJ | 🍔 Food & Drinks
📅 March 10 | 7–9PM | WA 101
Scan to join. Play smart. Play fast. Win.

🔥 ¡Torneo de UNO!
🏆 Los 3 primeros ganan premios
🎶 DJ en vivo | 🍔 Comida y bebidas
📅 10 de marzo | 7–9PM | WA 101
Escanea y participa. Juega y gana.

🔥 Torneio de UNO!
🏆 Top 3 ganham prêmios
🎶 DJ ao vivo | 🍔 Comida e bebidas
📅 10 de março | 19h–21h | WA 101
Escaneie e participe. Jogue e vença.
Good luck on finals this week! 📚🐺

Remember to take breaks, stay hydrated, get some sleep, and trust all the hard work you’ve put in this semester. The PCAAP team is cheering you on every step of the way. Finish strong, you got this! 💙🧡

#WCSU #WestConn #FinalsWeek #PCAAP
Good luck on finals this week! 📚🐺 Remember to take breaks, stay hydrated, get some sleep, and trust all the hard work you’ve put in this semester. The PCAAP team is cheering you on every step of the way. Finish strong, you got this! 💙🧡 #WCSU #WestConn #FinalsWeek #PCAAP
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
🎉 Congrats again to our SSS winner, Katya Nweeia! #GoWolves 🐺 #WCSU #SSSProgram #PCAAP #StudentSuccess
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
🎉 Congrats again to our SSS winner, Chrismery Nunez Make sure to stop by Berkshire Dining Hall next week for more chances to win, connect, and learn about the SSS Program 📚✨ Don’t miss out! #GoWolves 🐺 #WCSU #SSSProgram #PCAAP #StudentSuccess
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
🎉 SSS Raffle Winners Announced! 🎉 Big congrats to our winners: 🥇 Bazan Devallon 🥈 Chrismery Nunez 🥉 Katya Nweeia Thank you to everyone who participated 🙌 Want opportunities like this + support throughout your college journey? 📚✨ Sign up for the SSS Program today! #GoWolves 🐺 #WCSU #SSSProgram #StudentSuccess #PCAAP
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Cooking up something special for our PCAAP End of the Year Ceremony next Wednesday 4/29 🧪🐺 The team is in full prep mode! We can’t wait to see you all there!🧡💙
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Need a job that looks good on your resume AND fits your schedule? 👀

Join the PASS Mentor team this Fall 2026 💙
Get paid, help students, and be part of something meaningful.

⏰ Flexible hours
📚 Great experience
💼 Paid training

Don’t miss the deadline: June 30th!
#WCSU #CampusLife #StudentEmployment
Need a job that looks good on your resume AND fits your schedule? 👀 Join the PASS Mentor team this Fall 2026 💙 Get paid, help students, and be part of something meaningful. ⏰ Flexible hours 📚 Great experience 💼 Paid training Don’t miss the deadline: June 30th! #WCSU #CampusLife #StudentEmployment
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Need help reaching your goals this semester? 📚✨
SSS TRIO is here for YOU — from tutoring and mentoring to financial aid and career guidance.

🚨 Priority Deadline: May 15th
📲 Scan the QR code to apply now!

Don’t miss out on support that can make a real difference. #WCSU #TRIO #StudentSuccess
Need help reaching your goals this semester? 📚✨ SSS TRIO is here for YOU — from tutoring and mentoring to financial aid and career guidance. 🚨 Priority Deadline: May 15th 📲 Scan the QR code to apply now! Don’t miss out on support that can make a real difference. #WCSU #TRIO #StudentSuccess
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Its Masters week come on down to Warner Hall (the best place on campus) to enjoy a little golf, and learn about SSS! We’ll also be here on Saturday for Accepted Students Day!! #wcsu #pcaap #gowolves #mastersweek
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
🔥 UNO Game Tournament!
🏆 Top 3 win prizes
🎶 Live DJ | 🍔 Food & Drinks
📅 March 10 | 7–9PM | WA 101
Scan to join. Play smart. Play fast. Win.

🔥 ¡Torneo de UNO!
🏆 Los 3 primeros ganan premios
🎶 DJ en vivo | 🍔 Comida y bebidas
📅 10 de marzo | 7–9PM | WA 101
Escanea y participa. Juega y gana.

🔥 Torneio de UNO!
🏆 Top 3 ganham prêmios
🎶 DJ ao vivo | 🍔 Comida e bebidas
📅 10 de março | 19h–21h | WA 101
Escaneie e participe. Jogue e vença.
🔥 UNO Game Tournament! 🏆 Top 3 win prizes 🎶 Live DJ | 🍔 Food & Drinks 📅 March 10 | 7–9PM | WA 101 Scan to join. Play smart. Play fast. Win. 🔥 ¡Torneo de UNO! 🏆 Los 3 primeros ganan premios 🎶 DJ en vivo | 🍔 Comida y bebidas 📅 10 de marzo | 7–9PM | WA 101 Escanea y participa. Juega y gana. 🔥 Torneio de UNO! 🏆 Top 3 ganham prêmios 🎶 DJ ao vivo | 🍔 Comida e bebidas 📅 10 de março | 19h–21h | WA 101 Escaneie e participe. Jogue e vença.
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

Our Staff

Bob Pote

Rob Pote

Director
(203) 837-9399
poter@wcsu.edu

Yara Zoccarato

Yara Zoccarato

Associate Director
(203) 837-9399
DHS: (203) 731-8276 zoccaratoy@wcsu.edu
Carmen Cornacchia

Carmen Cornacchia

Upward Bound Site Advisor
(203) 731-8276
Cell: (203) 456-5344 cornacchiac@wcsu.edu
Stephanie Nascimento

Stephanie Nascimento

Student Support Liaison
(203) 837-8803
nascimentos@wcsu.edu

Pre-Collegiate &
Access Programs​

181 White St,
Pre-Collegiate & Access Programs​
Danbury, CT 06810