University of Delaware Associate in Arts Program

Congratulations to Serena Foko, one of the four Associate in Arts Program alumni who have been accepted into the University of Delaware’s 2026-2027 McNair Scholar Cohort. 👏

Serena is a first-generation junior majoring in biological sciences, who hopes to explore the biological and biochemical mechanisms underlying mental health with the long-term goal of pursuing graduate study and contributing to evidence-based research and treatment.

“The AAP helped me see that research is about asking questions and trying to figure things out step by step. It made me more comfortable with not knowing the answer right away and being willing to learn."

✅ Read more on our website: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/news-events/news/2026/may/aap-alumni-awarded-mcnair-scholarship/

Congratulations to Raheem Wicker, another one of our Associate in Arts Program alumni who have been accepted into the University of Delaware’s 2026-2027 McNair Scholar Cohort. 👏

Raheem Wicker, a junior Africana studies and sociology double major, plans to attend law school but is also considering earning a doctorate.

“The AAP prepared me for research by giving me the opportunity to build close relationships with my professors and significantly increased my academic confidence."

✅ Read more on our website: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/news-events/news/2026/may/aap-alumni-awarded-mcnair-scholarship/

Congratulations to Andrea Ledezma, another Associate in Arts Program alumna who has been accepted into the University of Delaware's 2026-2027 McNair Scholar Cohort. 👏

Andrea, a junior marketing major with a minor in art, plans to pursue a graduate degree in business analytics.

“The AAP showed me that my background does not limit my success. Instead, it motivated me to pursue opportunities that once seemed too challenging.”

✅ Read more on our website: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/news-events/news/2026/may/aap-alumni-awarded-mcnair-scholarship/

Congratulations to Mia Trageser, one of four Associate in Arts Program alumni who have been accepted into the University of Delaware’s 2026-2027 McNair Scholar Cohort. 👏

Mia is a first-generation junior English major interested in pursuing a graduate degree in English literature.

"I wouldn't be in McNair or considering graduate school without the encouragement I received from the AAP professors."

The McNair Scholars Program is a Federal TRIO program aimed to prepare and empower undergraduate students to pursue a doctoral degree. McNair participants are either first-generation college students with financial need and/or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education.

✅ Read more on our website: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/news-events/news/2026/may/aap-alumni-awarded-mcnair-scholarship/

Three AAP students presented posters at the NASA DE Space Grant Research Symposium on Friday, April 24. 🚀

Mitch Miller presented their summer research on identifying botanical sources of honey using pollen DNA. 🐝

Wendy Santana-Medina and Aniello (AJ) Rega presented their winter research on aquatic eDNA metabarcoding. 🧬

Big thanks to the UD community for supporting the Associate in Arts Program during I Heart UD Giving Day! Your support helps create more opportunities and brighter futures for our students. 💙💛

For those who missed the chance to make a contribution yesterday, the website is open through tomorrow, May 1st. http://www.udel.edu/0014697

Today on I Heart UD Giving Day, show the world how our Blue Hen pride drives us to make a difference. 🙌

Visit our project page: http://www.udel.edu/0014697

Your gift to the Associate in Arts Program will spread your impact statewide as we prepare a diverse body of Delaware high school graduates for academic success and professional careers.

Support from UD employees helps us reach our goal for the Faculty & Staff Participation Challenge. Thank you for your support!

I Heart UD Giving Day is your time to give back to the University that we love. On April 29, give from the heart in support of the Associate in Arts Program. 🫶🐓

Project link: http://www.udel.edu/0014697

The Associate in Arts Program provides a supportive onramp to UD to Delaware residents who may otherwise not have access to a college degree. This project will strengthen our three academic centers, expanding the resources and opportunities that help students thrive.

Support from UD employees helps us reach our goal for the Faculty & Staff Participation Challenge!

We are proud of such an accomplished AAP alumnus!

Carrying the dream forward | UDaily UD alumnus leads Delaware's Office of New Americans