Dennis Jones & Annette Albrecht Tarleton State University Stephenville, Texas

Summer bridge programs can provide an effective method to reduce the college readiness gap between incoming students from underserved communities and those of more privileged schooling opportunities. Reducing this readiness gap can assist "at risk" students in enhancing their success. This presentation will review the literature related to summer bridge programs, including (a) various program models, (b) factors impacting program efficacy, and (c) challenges to developing successful programs.

Increase their knowledge of the role of summer bridge programs in reducing the college readiness gap between incoming students from underserved communities and those of more privileged schooling opportunities. Gain an awareness of the financial and operational challenges related to implementing and sustaining summer bridge programs. Discover strategies for engaging high school counselors in the summer bridge program recruiting process.

Introductions Characteristics of “Effective” Summer Bridge Programs Summer Bridge Program Models Sustainability Bridging the Gap through School Counselors

Intentionality Clear Goals and Evaluation System Academic Support Programs Student Support Programs Co-Curricular Opportunities Targeted Populations

Collegiate Experience High School – Rising Juniors & Seniors Pre-Matriculation (Most Common) Post First Year Program Academic Readiness At Risk (Most Common) High Ability Career Interests STEM (Most Common) Other Demographic Characteristics

High School – Rising Juniors & Seniors College/University Hosted – Provide Exposure to Campus Life Focus on High School Completion v. College Readiness Credit Bearing v. Noncredit Bearing Residential v. Nonresidential

Pre-Matriculation (Part 1 of 2) Conditional Admission v. High Achieving Demographically Underrepresented Populations First Generation Residential v. Nonresidential Major-Based – STEM, Allied Health Focus on transition v. preparation Focus on review, test preparation, and/or new content Focus on study skills, reading, writing, mathematics, computer literacy, and/or sciences Course-based v. Non-Course based Credit Bearing v. Noncredit Bearing Inclusion of FYE-type course

Pre-Matriculation (Part 2 of 2) Wide Range of Support Services Academic – tutoring, library, supplemental instruction Student – advising, counseling, career exploration, time management, communication skills, developing relationships, stress management Peer Mentors Recreational and Social opportunities Help students become comfortable in a more relaxed setting Summer Session v. 1 to 2 weeks before Fall semester Incorporated into Orientation programs Precursor to Fall learning community programs

Post First Year Program Conditional continuation contracts Opportunity to “Catch-Up” Focus on one area of developmental education

FinancialOperational Implementing Start-Up Costs Seed Money University Support Recruiting Students Sustaining Cost Structure (Credit v Noncredit or hybrid) Budget Demonstrating Effectiveness Staffing

Direct contact between Bridge staff and Counselors Outreach to Counselors through TRIO Programs (e.g., Upward Bound, Talent Search) Counselor Appreciation Days On campus information sessions (AM) CEUs for professional development (PM) University Hosted School Counseling Conference College Participation Outreach (GO Centers) Career Days