P.R.I.D.E. Program
The Promoting Respect for Inclusive Diversity in Education (P.R.I.D.E.) Program is a first-year pre-orientation and residential mentorship initiative aimed at supporting students from historically underrepresented communities. Originally founded as the Black, Asian, and Hispanic Organization (B.A.H.O.), the program began as a resource to assist students of color in acclimating to college life. In 1998, it was rebranded as P.R.I.D.E. to expand its reach and include more underrepresented backgrounds and identities, such as ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and international students, as its target audiences. Today, P.R.I.D.E. embraces a peer-mentoring model that provides students with guidance as they navigate the unique challenges of adjusting to a predominantly white institution, working with a mission to provide a supportive community that fosters academic and personal growth.
The P.R.I.D.E. Program is structured around two main components: an intensive orientation program and sustained mentorship throughout the freshman academic year. The orientation program, which is its key feature, has evolved over time, sometimes occurring before New Student Orientation and other times afterward, depending on the needs and goals for each academic year. During orientation, participants engage in workshops, community-building exercises, and resource sessions designed to build confidence, foster connections, and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in their new academic setting. There is also particular emphasis on the College resources available to student participants based on their identities and raising awareness of the various support groups on campus. The Walking Tour of Hartford has become one of the program's staple orientation events, allowing new students to familiarize themselves with their new Hartford home.
The P.R.I.D.E. Program is strongly supported by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, which provides essential resources and guidance to ensure the program's success. The office also participates in hiring, training, and supporting student leaders known as P.R.I.D.E. leaders, upper-year students who share similar backgrounds, chosen to serve as role models and mentors. These leaders play an essential role, offering guidance and support based on their own lived experiences and a shared commitment to building a welcoming campus environment. They facilitate workshops, lead discussions on topics such as identity, belonging, and resilience, and provide insights on how to navigate campus resources and build academic success strategies.
Beyond the orientation, P.R.I.D.E.’s commitment to its students continues throughout the academic year. The program hosts a variety of events, workshops, and community gatherings, ensuring that students receive consistent support as they progress in their college journey. These events cover topics such as academic success, mental health, leadership development, and career exploration. By engaging students in meaningful activities throughout their time in college, P.R.I.D.E. aims to foster a strong sense of community and belonging that supports students' well-being and encourages personal and academic achievement.
The year-round support structure ensures that students are not only equipped to face immediate challenges, but also are prepared for long-term success. Through this model, P.R.I.D.E. strives to build a cohesive, resilient community of scholars who feel valued, empowered, and capable of excelling within the broader campus community.