"You're Young, Intelligent, and Beautiful": How Micro-Affirmations Inspire Summer Bridge Program Students to Persist

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: Contemporary Issues Related to Student Success

Abstract

Microaggressions are intentional or unintentional messages to persons from historically marginalized groups that demean, minimize and invalidate their identities and lived-experience in their everyday lives. Micro-affirmations, the opposite of microaggressions, are intentional or unintentional exchanges that convey inclusion, support, and appreciation to historically marginalized groups of students and contribute to student’s resilience. This study explores if microaffirmations are present in a summer bridge program and if so, investigates their impact on students’ college transition and continual academic success.

Authors

• Makeda Turner, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• James Michael Ellis, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Janella Benson, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• CARMEN Michele MCCALLUM, Eastern Michigan University