

What We Do
Creating educational pathways in an affirming environment for first generation scholars in their pursuit of post-secondary success.
Contact Information
- emailmmuccio@ric.edu
- local_phone401-456-8783
- placeCraig Lee Hall Suite 049
Office Hours
8:30 am–4:30 pm
Social Media
The Center for Scholar Development encompasses four key programs to support the academic and personal development of Rhode Island College students.

Federal TRIO Programs
The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) in the Center for Scholar Development are designed to provide educational pathways in an affirming environment for first generation scholars. The federally funded TRIO program encompasses Upward Bound, McNair Scholars,Preparatory Enrollment Program (PEP) and Student Support Services (SSS) Regular and SSS STEM. For more information visit the U.S. Department of Education.
Center for Scholar Development Team
Ms. Ashley M. Bazin
- Advisor
- Student Support Services
Ms. Margarida R. DaGraca
- Project Director
- McNair
Mrs. Claudia Erazo-Conrad
- Senior Project Director of Upward Bound
Precious Kafo
- Project Director II
- TRIO

Mrs. Melissa Z. Medenciy
- Program Assistant
Ms. Maria Muccio-Raposo
- Director
- Center for Scholar Development
Ms. Jasmine G. Rivas Corado
- Advisor
- Upward Bound

Mr. Antonio D. Rocha
- Advisor
- Student Support Services
Mrs. Frangely L. Rojas
- Academic Coordinator

Ms. Ronya D. Traynham
- Transfer Advisor
- Student Support Services

Ms. Andreya Watkins
- Advisor
- Student Support Services

Mackenzie T. Williams
- Assistant Director
- Student Support Services (TRIO)

Mr. Charles Youn
- Program Coordinator
- Upward Bound

Ms. Destiny E. Zepeda
- McNair Assistant Project Director
Utilize these Support Services

McNair Scholars
Supporting the enrollment of first-generation and high achieving undergraduates who demonstrate financial need, or who traditionally identify in underrepresented populations into a doctoral program.

Preparatory Enrollment Program (PEP)
We are here to support the academic and personal development of first-generation college students, where we provide academic coaching, personalized advising, a summer transition program and a growing community of peer support and leadership opportunities. We welcome high school graduates who reside in Rhode Island and identify as first-generation to apply to this program.

Student Support Services (SSS)
Our main goal is to get students to reach the most important milestone in college, graduation. We encourage you to have a positive experience at RIC by providing enough support for students to feel confident in their ability as a scholar, and courageous enough to succeed no matter the obstacle faced. If you are interested in taking that risk, join SSS.

Upward Bound
The Upward Bound Program services low-income, first-generation college bound scholars in the pursuit of high school graduation and post-secondary completion. We provide holistic approaches to intellectual, motivational, and character development for every student.