UPR: Horizon to Success

CUA-UPR Concept

Background of success
The model of research and action used by the Collective for the University
Access of the University of Puerto Rico (CUA-UPR) is inspired by the Center
founded on Mayaguez Campus in 2007 (CUA-RUM). In its first year, the CUARUM inquired the patterns of admission of the young people in public
housing for the past years (1990-2006) and discovered that the population
was just 0.3 % of those admitted in that period. Therefore, it was its task to
develop research initiatives and outreach to remedy the problem of access of
impoverished communities to the only public university in the country.
In 2008 the CUA-RUM obtained the financial support for five (5) years of
Francisco Carvajal Foundation, with the proposal Knowledge Democratization
(2008-2013). During this period were sponsored annually 120 students from
7th to 12th grade. The design of the outreach model is based on the findings
of the research pursued: strengthen academic aspirations, providing
guidance on academic offerings and university application process, and
strengthen the academic performance of the participants in critical matters
(English, Math, and Spanish) and in the preparation for the College Board,
which is an admission requirement for the UPR. Due to the successful
outcomes of the project during its first five years, the Francisco Carvajal
Foundation renewed its commitment for another five years (2013-2018), and
requested to the UPR that develop the same initiative in other units of the
system. During the academic year 2014-15 was launched the first phase of
development (institutional research and conceptualization) in five additional
units of the UPR system: Bayamon, Carolina, Cayey, Humacao and Ro
Piedras.
After seven years of the project initiative in Mayagez, the CUA-RUM has
contributed to ninety (90) students finish their high school degree. Of these,
84 students requested post-secondary studies (63 to universities and 21 to
institute). Of those who requested the university, 56% was admitted to the
UPR. It is important to note that the overall admission rates of students of
public schools of Puerto Rico for the 2014-15 were 51%, by which the pattern
of admissions of the population of the CUA assumes even greater
importance. Similarly, the participants of the project of all the degrees have
a school retention rate of almost 100 %.
Moreover, it should be noted that the UPR has exceeded the annual
contribution required by the Foundation Francisco Carvajal, thus

demonstrating the interest and institutional commitment to this initiative. In

addition, the CUA-RUM has been co-sponsored by the College Access
Challenge Grant initiative also chair by the UPR at the central level and
sponsored by the Federal Department of Education. Finally, the CUA-RUM has
received donations from the Banco Popular Foundation and private donations
that show the relevance of the project.
The CUA at UPR systemic level, has managed to complete 80% of the
institutional research and has laid the groundwork for the development of
the project within the 100% of the units. The five units have developed pilot
activities and have made a real impact in more than 300 students during its
first year. They have also identified institutional areas that need to be revised
for the UPR to improve the service to impoverished communities of the
country, and to contribute to their access to university life. During the first
semester 2015-16 is expected to be completed the institutional research and
start the design of the community research. Also, new outreach activities will
be developed and evaluated, to make institutional recommendations and
additional action plans for the academic year 2016-17.
Profiles and Campus Outreach Initiatives
The six units that are conforming the CUA-UPR are going to develop research
and community outreach activities from 2016-17. CUA-RUM, given the fact
that it has a large population admitted to the UPR, will conduct research on
retention, persistence, and graduation at the university level also. The same
will happen at UPR-Cayey and UPR-Humacao with their respective
population.
Campus Profiles
UPR-Bayamn (Dra. Claritza Castro, Campus Coordinator and Co-PI)

Institutional and Community Research

Target Population: Underrepresented Schools in the vicinity and
Comero
General Components (Assignment Assistance, tutoring and Mentoring)
for Elementary, Junior and High School
o Elementary: 100 students
o Junior: 100 students
o High: 200 students
Summer Camp (Junior and High School): 80 students

UPR-Carolina (Sra. Ivelise Casado, Campus Coordinator and Elisa Figueroa,

Co-coordinator)

Target Population: Public Housing Residents

General Components (Assignment Assistance and Mentoring) for Junior
and High School
o Junior: 12 students
o High: 19 students
Summer Camp (Junior School: 30 students)

UPR-Cayey (Dra. Isar Godreau, PI and Prof. Vernica Castro, Outreach

Coordinator)

Institutional and Community Research

Target Population: Public Housing Residents
General Components for Junior and High School
o Junior: 105 students
o High: 60 students
University Students: Academic Support and Mentoring: 40 students
Summer Camp (Junior School: 40 students)
Reading, Coir and Sowing, and Literary Contest Club (Junior Students)

UPR-Humaco (Dra. Ivelisse Rivera Bonilla, Campus Coordinator and Co-PI)

Institutional and Community Research

Target Population: Vieques and Culebra Students
o Junior (Vieques): 40 students
o High (Vieques & Culebra): 79 students
University Students: Academic Support and Mentoring (56 students,
Governing Board Policy #50)
Summer Camp (Junior: 40 students)

UPR-Mayagez (Dra. Bernadette Delgado, Campus Coordinator and Co-PI)

Institutional and Community Research

Target Population: Public Housing and Very-Poor Communities in
Mayagez
General Components for Junior and High School
o Junior: 72 students
o High: 41 students
Math, Science, and Writing Clubs for Elementary Students: 60 students
University Students: Academic Support and Mentoring

UPR-Ro Piedras (Dra. Mercedes Rivera, Campus Coordinator and James Seale
Collazo Co-PI)

Institutional and Community Research

Target Population: Very poor communities and Public Housing
General Components for Junior and High School
o Elementary: 15 students
o Junior: 10
o High: 27
o Other: 8 students
Summer Camp (Junior and High School: 40 students)
University Students: Academic Support and Mentoring (Governing
Board Policy #50)