Efrain Alvarado is a senior at IUPUI with a double major in journalism with a concentration in public relations and communications studies. He has been a part of DEAP from very early on and was one of the first members to become a peer mentor, a leadership role that he held for two years.
Gaining confidence through involvement
La'Cia Reynolds is a senior at IUPUI who is originally from Gary, Indiana, and is pursuing a degree in health service management. She became involved in DEAP as an incoming freshman when she was offered a scholarship and an opportunity to participate in the Summer Bridge program.
Learning to believe in herself
TaBria Cowan is a sophomore from Michigan City, Indiana, who came to IUPUI to pursue a degree in elementary education. Like many other members, she became involved with DEAP through the Summer Bridge program at the start of her freshman year.
Vonna Murdock is a senior at IUPUI graduating this May with a degree in exercise science. She joined DEAP when she was new to campus four years ago.
Freshman, Global & International Studies Major
“DEAP has been a huge way for me to find my community and make friends. Coming from a small town there wasn’t a lot of diversity, so being able to connect with people of similar ethnicities of me and backgrounds made me feel at home. Between the endless laughs and friendships made during bridge week with my favorite mentor Jalen (JP), and the amazing people I met at the DEAP lounge. I truly don’t think I would have the support system I have now that helped me succeed and push through the semester without DEAP.”
Freshman, Social Work Major
“DEAP is a great program for incoming freshman students to get used to the IU Indianapolis campus. DEAP has been really helpful in my first year. Primarily because the program helped me become used to being on the IU Indianapolis campus. Also, DEAP has assisted me in feeling more connected to IU Indianapolis because I am now involved in many campus student organizations."
Sophomore, Elementary Education Major
“I chose DEAP for many reasons, mainly having a family away from family and having a support system that allows you to make mistakes and helps you correct those mistakes. This program is more than just a program. It is a family that pushes you to your full potential and enables you to grow. DEAP has helped me in so many ways, academically and personally; being in DEAP has given me a chance to come out of my comfort zone and be more confident in myself. College is what you make, and a program like DEAP makes it worthwhile. I would have been lost in college if I did not have this program. I am forever grateful for the people I have met in DEAP, from staff to other scholars.”
Junior, Business Major
“As an African American first-generation college student, I found college to be unbearable without having the proper on-campus, support system. Trying to navigate IU Indianapolis as a transfer student while also trying to establish my legacy on this campus is what led me to the DEAP program. The organization is full of like-minded individuals who strive to make the best out of their collegiate careers. While also taking the time to guide students in their journey. DEAP has provided me with resources that have allowed me to be the best that I can be here at IU Indianapolis.
The coordinators & DEAP employees have handled me, and my academic endeavors with patience & care. As a business major, I have taken a very difficult course I needed tutoring support. One of the coordinators offered me a free tutoring ticket but never made me feel less than any of the other students for struggling.
DEAP is one of the main reasons I stay on campus longer than I have to be, being in the DEAP lounge reminds me of my goal.”
Freshman, Biology Major, Africana Studies Minor
“I chose the Diversity Enrichment and Achievement Program (DEAP) because I knew transitioning into college as a first-year generation student, and at a very young age was going to be stressful; financially, mentally, and physically. I got introduced to the program through my Upward Bound mentor, Mrs. Roxanne while I was still in Highschool observing whether I was going to take the leap of faith to attend college. Coming in as an underage college freshman, I faced various adversities like managing time, how to study effectively, understanding how to respond to outside stimuli positively, cultivating a routine, eating healthy, de-stressing, making sacrifices, and having good sleeping habits. DEAP assisted with my housing and has provided other academic assistance. DEAP staff made me realize that a positive attitude results in a positive desired result. Although the road to positive desired results has its hiccups, with consistency, hard work, constant failure, and grit, you will get there in no time soon.
Finally, I would recommend High school students to sign up for the Upward Bound program and the DEAP program because both programs helped me to fine-tune the skill set needed for my success in high school, and beyond.”
