A new nonprofit organization in South Florida that focuses on improving college retention rates held its official launch on Feb. 28 in North Miami.
GetCAPSS — or “Get Connected and Promote Student Success” —helps first- and second-year students from immigrant and low-income communities. Organizers say the demographic is most affected by social challenges that are often correlated with dropping out of college.
“Students who have mental illnesses, for instance, sometimes they do not attend classes because of issues with anxiety,” said Clarence Dias, the institute’s founder.
The program aims to provide mentorship, mental assistance, and scholarships of up to $2,000, which will be awarded to 50 students per semester.
