Bridge to success: Insight into summer bridge program students' college transition

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Author(s): Walpole, M., Simmerman, H., Mack, C., Mills, J. T., & Scales, M., & Albano, D.

Citation: Walpole, M., Simmerman, H., Mack, C., Mills, J. T., & Scales, M., & Albano, D. (2008). Bridge to success: Insight into summer bridge program students' college transition. Journal of The First-Year Experience & Students in Transition, 20(1), 11-30.

 

Abstract

This study examines the college transition of students who participated in a summer bridge program. Three surveys collected longitudinal data on these students' aspirations and academic and social activities. Data provided from institutional research on their academic progress were also analyzed. A control group composed of nonparticipating entering students was used for comparison. Findings indicate that program participants' academic and social engagement increased over the first two years of the program, and the retention rate in the fall of their junior year was higher than that of the control group. There were no significant differences between the program students and the control group in the numbers of credits attempted or in grade point average. Control group students did earn significantly more credits than program students during two semesters.

 

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