The Manchester College Achievement Program (C.A.P.) is designed to assist first generation (those whose parents or guardians didn't attend college), college-bound high school juniors and seniors in preparing for and succeeding in college. The Outreach Coordinator assists students one-on-one and through workshops and events. Manchester C.A.P. participants attend workshops on the following:

-The College Selection Process

-The Application Process

-Paying for College

-Academic and Extracurricular Choices

-Culture Clash

Manchester C.A.P. participants have opportunities to participate in on-campus events, including a three-day "College 101" event the summer before their first semester of college. The "College 101" event includes in-depth workshops that help first generation students apply some of the concepts they learned in C.A.P. to their role as college students. Additionally, "College 101" programming includes academic success workshops , study skills and cultural identity workshops to help first generation students transition into college life smoothly.

First Generation Student Mentors assist Manchester C.A.P. participants in meeting their goals and understanding the college transition process through one-on-one assistance and participation at events.

Click here for the Manchester C.A.P. online application.

If you have additional questions about the program, please contact the Outreach Coordinator.

MCAP 2009-2010 Schedule:

Click here to view our current MCAP schedule . Times and room assignments will be announced as workshop and event dates approach.

MCAP College 101 Program:

Twelve incoming first generation Manchester College students and three MCAP 2008-2009 graduates participated in the MCAP College 101 program June 24th-26th, 2009. Students learned college success skills and connected with first generation student mentors.

Read M.C.A.P. Newsletters in PDF format:

November 2008

December 2008

January/February 2009

Spring 2009

Summer 2009

Useful web sites for college-bound students:

www.fafsa.ed.gov

This web site is the U.S. Federal government site for applying for and learning about financial aid.

www.finaid.org

This web site provides a guide to financial aid that includes: scholarship search, descriptions of federal loans, savings plans, other types of aid, FAFSA help, FAQ's and a college cost calculator.

www.cappex.com

Here, users can create a profile this is accessible to colleges around the country. This allows you to only look at colleges that interest you and only share your information at your discretion.

www.college.gov

This web site of the U.S. Department of Education offers advice on grants, loans, opportunities and making your goals a reality.

www.facebook.com

Believe it or not, the social network juggernaut is essential to getting to know your future college. This site started out as a college-only site, after all. You can meet one person on campus which can lead to hundreds more through social networking.

www.collegeanswer.com

This web site features plenty of free information without annoying sign-ups, e-mails or ads. This site is a virtual Wikipedia for the college-bound!

www.act-sat-prep.com

This is a great web site where students can access preparation guidelines for the ACT and SAT tests. Students can access practice exams, look at how the exams are structured and study tips. This site also gives college selection process information as well as tips on paying for college and applying to programs.

www.college.gov

This site helps explain the importance of earning a college degree. Students will find information on why to go, what to do to get to college and financial information. This site is student-friendly and interactive and there's also a section for parents.

www.students.gov

This web site highlights information that all students need to begin their college career.

www.fastweb.com

This site provides various scholarship and grant opportunities and matches you with them, based on your social profile. College-bound students can find loads of free money if they look carefully and apply, apply, APPLY!