Written by Dwight Bachman
Maureen McDonnell, assistant professor of English, discusses critical importance of writing durng STEP/CAP last year.
Through Aug. 7, students from Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, New London, Norwich, Waterbury, Willimantic and out of state will attend intensive credit-bearing courses in math and writing as well as rigorous workshops in social sciences, library research methods, public speaking, study skills and critical thinking. Those who are successful will be admitted as freshmen for Eastern's fall semester.
Organized around the theme of "Taking Charge of Your Life," the students come to campus having read Toni Morrison's classic novel, "Sula," as their classes will examine race, ethnic origin, cultural differences and identity in America. Once on campus, students will also be asked to read "Bodega Dreams," by Ernesto Quinonez, as part of their summer workshop experience.
"For more than a quarter of a century, this program has made a difference," said Margaret Hebert, acting director of Eastern's Tutoring Center, which administers the program. "We ask the students to be motivated, disciplined and ready to work hard to make the changes needed to start and then complete the transition from high school to college."
Successful STEP/CAP students have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, insurance executives, personnel managers and much more remarkable achievements for young people labeled in high school as incapable of college-level work.
Once students settle into Eastern and begin their classes, they will take a field trip to Boston, where they are scheduled to enjoy citywide trolley tours and visit historic spots such as the Freedom Trail.
