1. College Readiness: Bridging the Academic Gap in the Summer
- Author
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Oliver, Sharon Jennings
- Abstract
A well-designed, academically-centered, transitional program can narrow the college readiness gap and provide essential tools for underprepared students to be successful. The Summer Bridge Program offered innovative solutions for academic preparedness using a cohort model and many 21 st century student success strategies. The free five-week credit-bearing residential Summer Bridge Program focused on developing underprepared students academically and socially. This study examined the students' summer, fall, and spring grade point averages, retention rate, credit hours earned during the first year, and graduation rate. In addition, the academic performance of first-generation compared with non-first generation Summer Bridge Program participants who benefited from the same success strategies were assessed. Finally, an assessment of the programs and services that were most valuable and contributed to student success for the Summer Bridge Program participants was conducted based on feedback from students and perceptions of program leaders. The Summer Bridge Program participants excelled at or above the pace of non-participants during the first year of college. A key component to academic success was providing programs and services that prepared students to succeed in college. Evidenced-based transition programs will be the tool colleges and universities utilize to increase completion, retention, and success rates for under prepared students. The Summer Bridge Program is a proven model of success that has positively impacted enrollment, retention, and graduation rates in higher education. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
- Published
- 2016