Making the Transition: The Academic, Social, and Affective Development of First-Year Summer Bridge Students

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: Effective Student Success Interventions

Abstract

Summer Bridge is a four-week pre-collegiate preparation program serving first generation and low-income students Among the intended outcomes of participation are facilitating the academic transition to college, enhancing navigational skills, and establishing peer networks. Using a mixed-methods approach, the academic and psycho-social adjustment of Summer Bridge students was assessed using focus groups and two surveys: the HERI Freshman Survey (TFS) and the Your First College Year Survey (YFCY). Longitudinal cognitive and affective change was measured using HERI thematic construct scores on measures such as Academic Self-Concept, Pluralistic Orientation, College Involvement, and Science Self-Efficacy. In addition, Bridge students were compared with similar students on sense of belonging, educational aspirations, and navigational skills. Focus group data helped to illuminate additional findings.

Authors

• William B. Armstrong, University of California - San Diego

• Karla Barron Galvan, University of California - San Diego

• Samantha Prado, University of California - San Diego

• Laura Kertz, University of California - San Diego

• Shannon Milligan, University of California San Diego