Modeling the Effects of Summer Bridge Program Participation

• In Event: Roundtable Session 38
  In Roundtable Session: College Preparation Courses and Programs

Abstract

Despite the wide implementation of summer bridge programs there is little empirical evidence demonstrating the benefits and gained outcomes of student participation. The purpose of our study is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of New Start Summer Program (NSPP) at a Western U.S. University on constructs involving social and academic self-concepts, students’ diverse interactions, institutional sense of belonging, and academic performance measured as first year GPA. Using Structural Equation Modeling with longitudinal data gathered in 2009-10 we found that NSPP has both direct and indirect positive effects on students’ performance. In the absence of the program students would be at a higher risk of dropping out. Further disaggregation by gender and ethnicity will be conducted.

Authors

• Nolan L. Cabrera, The University of Arizona

• Manuel S. Gonzalez Canche, University of Georgia

• Jeffrey F. Milem, The University of Arizona