An Evaluation of an Abbreviated Summer Bridge Program

• In Event: 56.081 - Roundtable Session 24
  In Roundtable Session: 56.081-8 - Learning and Student Success

Abstract

This paper examines a preliminary evaluation of a pilot abbreviated summer bridge program. The bridge program provided services to traditionally underserved populations, with the ultimate goal of increasing college retention and graduation rates. Using cultural mismatch theory (Stephens et al., 2014) to guide the evaluation, three longitudinal surveys were collected to examine student’s sense of belonging, social support, and non-cognitive skills. Additionally, a quasi-experimental design was implemented to examine the impact of the program on first-year academic outcomes. Findings indicate that program participants’ sense of belonging and social support remained constant over time. There were no differences between program students and the control group in the number of credits earned or in grade point average during freshman year.

Authors

• Meghan Ecker-Lyster, University of Kansas

• Lauren Coleman-Tempel, University of Kansas

• Paul Trana, University of Kansas

• Gretchen Heasty, University of Kansas