Bridging the Gap: A Case Study Examining Student Success in a Summer Bridge Program

• In Event: 14.045 - Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: 14.045-1 - Academic Partnerships for Student Success in Higher Education

Abstract

Summer Bridge Programs (SBPs) is a method employed by universities to encourage at-risk students to jumpstart their college experience the summer before their first year. This qualitative case study utilized focus groups conducted with 25 students to explore the challenges students in SBPs faced, how they made meaning of their experiences, and how they developed academically and personally during the program. Selected findings demonstrate that the program structure, positive culture, and mentor modeling positively influenced participants' experiences.

Authors

• Charles Lu, The University of Texas - Austin

• Ashley N. Stone, The University of Texas at Austin

• Carmen DeLas Mercedez, The University of Texas - Austin

• Anthony Heaven, The University of Texas - Austin