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Published
2021-04-26
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Section
Feature Articles
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Copyright (c) 2021 Carmen McCallum, Makeda Turner, Janella Benson
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Copyright of all articles published in JCOTR belong to the author(s) and are published under a CC BY-NC license.
How to Cite
Beyond the Bridge
Exploring the Experiences of a Summer Bridge Program Through Student Voices
Makeda Turner
University of Michigan
Carmen McCallum
Eastern Michigan University
Janella Benson
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v28i1.3540
Keywords: Summer Bridge, Transition, Students of Color, College Access
Abstract
This qualitative study examines the experiences of seven students who were selected to attend a summer bridge program (SBP) located in the U.S. Midwest. Utilizing semi-structured interviews and organizational socialization theory, the study illuminates students’ preconceived notions about what it means to be in an SBP, experiences while in the program, and how those experiences help facilitate a successful transition into the first year of college and beyond. Findings revealed that participating in the SBP positively influenced students’ college experiences and ultimately their persistence to graduation. Recommendations drawn from the study are offered to higher education staff and administrators interested in starting or improving summer bridge or similar programs.
