An innovative outreach program at The University of Arizona, College Academy for Parents (CAP), introduces moms and dads to the ins and outs of the university and inspires them to pursue the dream of a college education for their children – starting in elementary school.
Parents learn the answers to real-world questions like: What middle school and high school classes best prepare students for college? Can we afford to send our children to the university? What can we do now to help them succeed?
Now in its fourth year, the College Academy for Parents has graduated 221 parents of 175 families. More than 90 percent are ethnic minorities. A spring 2006 CAP survey found that parents who graduated from the program felt more competent and confident about supporting their children’s education and had a better understanding of how to help their children attend college. They also felt that the UA field trips made them feel valued, important and connected to the university.
For more information on the College Academy for Parents, including participating schools and communities, go to: eao.web.arizona.edu
The College Academy for Parents is administered by the UA Office of Early Academic Outreach (EAO)
The mission of EAO is to increase the numbers of ethnic minority, low-income and first-generation college-bound students who are prepared to enter a four-year degree program at a university.
