“I found the University’s commitment to Delaware so impressive,” said Mack. “I knew we would be able to do great work here because of the staff and faculty dedicated to student success and to Delawareans’ success.”

Mack said her vision is to bring uniformity to the various pre-college programs that exist on campus. Some programs, like CRSI, are geared toward rising juniors and seniors, while others, like Delaware Futures, begin earlier in students’ high school careers. Some are grant-funded, like the Give Something Back Foundation program and Upward Bound, which is part of the federal TRiO family of programs. Most focus on overall preparation, while others zero in on vital knowledge areas like math and science.

Another kind of preparation comes through the UD Scholars program, which serves students who did not make the grades needed to get into UD’s main campus; they were given conditional acceptance that requires completion of a two-week, highly intense orientation just before fall semester begins. They learn to develop themselves as scholars, to persevere and access resources needed to support their journey.

Not all pre-college program participants are struggling academically. The Edge program serves high-achieving high school students who want to experience college and gain credits early. The students live on campus for six weeks while building skills and taking college-level courses taught by UD faculty.

All of the University’s pre-college programs center on one goal: to prepare students to be successful in college.

Mack said she wants to deepen relationships with community-based organizations which she says are vital to creating a pipeline of students to UD and encouraging students—people just like Braulio—to view college as a destination.

“Relationships with organizations in the community are key to getting students in the door and helping them see that they can succeed in college,” said Mack.

Students and their parents are finding great value in the University’s pre-college programs, both for the learning experience and the confidence they instill.  

Tony Denney, a student at Salesianum School who participated in Edge last summer, said, “I had such a wonderful time in and out of the classroom and I learned so much about college and college life, and even more about myself. I met people from all walks of life . . . I'll carry this experience with me when I do go to college and even now in high school with the new study habits I developed in Edge.”  

Cecilia Kelly’s daughter, Mia, a student at MOT Charter School, also attended the Edge program.

“On the ride home, Mia said that she felt more confident and ready for college,” said Kelly. “It is great to know as a parent that your daughter is safe, enjoying her classes, making new friends, having a great time and most of all coming home feeling better than when she left.”

Florentino still relies on academic guidance from the two individuals who led his CRSI program: Imani Powell, an academic adviser in the College of Education and Human Development, and Tim Danos, assistant director in the Admissions office. His ambitions don’t end with a UD diploma. He aspires to become a pediatric surgeon.  

“I would advise any student to try college,” said Florentino. “There is a college out there for everyone and getting an education is what matters. Work hard because it will pay off.”

Mack added, “For any student who is determined and challenges themselves, there is a place for them at UD; they can find success here. We want to share our outstanding faculty and academic opportunities with students across the state, region, the nation and the world.”