The UAP Fund aids in the stewardship of critical programs and services that increase access and the academic success of Southern Scholars. The UAP Office aims to provide one-to-one advocacy, intervention, and support to enhance the experience of a population of students who come from historically marginalized communities underrepresented in higher education, including but not limited to first-generation, low-wealth, undocumented, and students who have experience in foster care. One-to-one advocacy promotes a sense of belonging and ensures that scholars have guidance and assistance in navigating the challenges of higher education. UAP scholars arrive at the University through five critical programs:
- Southern Educational Opportunity Program (SEOP)
- Southern Promise Scholars (New Haven, Hartford, and Waterbury)
- Promoting Academically Successful Students (PASS)
- Pathways to Academic and Career Empowerment (PACE)
- The DREAM.US Scholars
UAP programs and services include Advocacy, Financial Support, Culturally Competent Peer Mentoring, Academic Enhancement, and Social-Emotional Learning.
In 2023, UAP began leading the institution’s membership in the NASPA Center for First-Generation Student Success: First Scholar’s Network program. By actively engaging in the network, UAP aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for Southern first-generation scholars and earn the prestigious NASPA First Gen Forward Recognition Award!
Before coming to Southern, Senior Zamagee Pendergrass said, she “experienced a great deal of uncertainty and lack of belonging during [her] first two years of college.” But, she added, “when I transferred to Southern, that changed dramatically. There were many opportunities to connect and network with others through events around campus. I chose to take those opportunities and put myself out there.
Two years later, as a senior, I have gained belonging through work as a transfer student assistant, and as a peer mentor with other scholars. Being at Southern allowed me to build meaningful and lifelong relationships with other scholars, staff, and faculty members. Southern provides me the resources that I need to succeed as a first-gen student and to overcome challenges, like of having a lack of community/belonging.”
441 days ago by Kaitlin Ingerick
Donors
View All Donors| Affiliation | Donors | Raised ($) | Goal ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friends | 2 | $45,000 | 8000 |
| Parents | 0 | $0 | 8000 |
| Faculty/Staff | 5 | $435 | 8000 |
| Students | 0 | $0 | 8000 |
| Alumni | 3 | $1,075 | 8000 |
