The Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) Connecticut Collegiate Awareness and Preparation (ConnCAP) Program is an early intervention, college preparation program designed to provide educational support services, cultural and social enrichment opportunities, as well as academic, career and personal counseling for students who have the potential to succeed in college but who are "at risk" for high school graduation and college matriculation due to their socioeconomic status. The Waterbury ConnCAP Program began in 1987 with the participants maintaining a 99% high school graduation rate and a 90% college matriculation rate. ConnCAP graduates have enrolled in colleges and universities throughout the United States.
    In 1991, ACES recognized the Waterbury ConnCAP Program for its "Exemplary Collaborative Efforts" and in 1995 the Governor presented the ConnCAP Director with an "Official Statement" recognizing her contributions to the youth of Waterbury through the ConnCAP Collaborative. The United States Department of Labor recognized the 1999 ConnCAP/WorkForce Program as a Stellar Youth Employment Program and the same year the program was recognized regionally with the "Integrated Youth System Services Award". In 2002 the national journal "Public Health Reports" published ConnCAP/WorkForce student's photographs as a part of a photo essay on the dangers of tattoos.
    In 1997 the Waterbury ConnCAP Program became the Waterbury ConnCAP Collaborative combining the resources and expertise of the Waterbury Public School System, Kaynor Technical School, UCONN Waterbury Campus, the Northwest regional Workforce Investment Board (NWRWIB), the Alternate route to Teacher Certification (ARC) Program, UCONN School of Social Work, the Department of Education: Summer Food Service Program, the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (ACE) Mentoring Program and Naugatuck Valley Community College.
    NVCC ConnCAP serves 100 to 125 students annually who are in grades eight through twelve providing a six-week summer component as well as yearlong services and activities. In addition, ConnCAP administers the largest youth employment program in Waterbury. Representatives from the ConnCAP Collaborative comprise the ConnCAP Advisory Council and work as a unit to provide guidance for systemic change in meeting the needs of the youth of Waterbury.
    The ConnCAP Parent's Association actively supports the wide range of activities provided by ConnCAP and annually awards two scholarships to ConnCAP graduates. The ConnCAP Collaborative has established an effective framework in Waterbury to unite resources to successfully serve our youth and their families.