The Importance of Developing Effective Summer Bridge Programs for Black Males at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIS)

This study investigates the impact of summer bridge programs on the transition, engagement, and retention of Black male students at predominantly White institutions (PWIs). Black males continue to face significant challenges in higher education, including low retention rates and limited feelings of belonging. The purpose of this mixed-methods research was to evaluate how summer bridge programs address these issues by enhancing academic preparedness, motivation to persist, and social integration for Black males at PWIs. The study sought to answer the following research questions: (1) How do summer bridge programs focused on Black males affect their transition from high school to college and overall retention at PWIs? (2) What motivates Black males to persevere toward graduation at PWIs? (3) How do summer bridge programs play a role in increasing the engagement of Black males at PWIs? Using both quantitative surveys and qualitative semi-structured interviews, this research findings revealed that while summer bridge programs helped students foster an early sense of belonging, it was the support from dedicated staff and participants' families that sustained their motivation to succeed. Furthermore, the study highlighted the importance of culturally responsive programming that acknowledges the unique experiences and strengths of Black male students. These findings suggest that PWIs should prioritize targeted support programs and foster inclusive environments that affirm students' cultural identities, contributing to the broader discourse on educational equity and institutional commitment to Black male student success.