STEP/CAP prepares hopeful Warriors for success

This summer, dozens of hopeful Eastern students spent six weeks setting themselves up for collegiate success via the Summer Transition at Eastern Program/Contract Admissions Program. Better known as “STEP/CAP,” the summer bridge program is an alternative path to admissions at Eastern.

During the invitation-only program, students complete three collegiate courses, build academic skills, develop relationships with students and faculty, and are guaranteed acceptance to Eastern upon completing the program with at least a 2.5 GPA.

Organized by the Office of Opportunity Programs, STEP/CAP is offered to high school graduates and invites participants to live in a residence hall five days per week while classes and activities are in session. While most STEP/CAP students are recent high school graduates, the program also provides unique opportunities for non-traditional students and academically inclined students.

After graduating high school, Ally Tetro spent two years in the workforce before beginning her collegiate studies. “It’s a good transition to get me back into being a student again,” she said. “It’s very useful, especially if you’re taking a gap year.”

Cassie Sousy-Porlas had already been accepted into Eastern, but STEP/CAP allowed her to pursue honors credits to support her application to Eastern’s Honors Program.

“[Admissions] told me registering as a STEP/CAP student would help, and that I would receive those credits,” she said.

Throughout the six-week program, STEP/CAP students completed three collegiate courses in topics ranging from financial literacy to psychology.

This year, Professor of Design and Media Technology Kristen Morgan introduced a new course to the program exploring wellness. The class explored how college students maintain healthy relationships, social lives, and stress levels while navigating college life.

Other courses included college math, financial literacy, history, psychology, and community service. One of the most common themes among STEP/CAP students was the sense of community built among the program’s students.

“I’ve made some pretty good friends who I think will stick by me for the next four years,” said Dani Pineba. “Everyone is unique in their own way, which is not something you can find anywhere else.”

“I really enjoyed making connections with friends here,” said Benjamin Dutcher-Reitz, a prospective student aiming to study communications, film, and theatre. “One of my highlights was on the first day when we went roller skating.”

On July 30, STEP/CAP students enjoyed a night of socializing, food, and activities to close out the program. Celebrating the end of exams, students enjoyed a food truck, games and activities, and ice cream.

“I like how we’ve all become friends, and we all became really close in the short amount of time that we’ve been here,” said Thamar Souvenance, a recent graduate from Norwich Free Academy.