Crossing the Bridge

Bridges to a Brighter Future is designed to help students access college, but what happens once they get there?

This is just the start: The first class of Crossing the Bridge students poses for a
 picture at the end of  the one week summer session
Summer 2011 (Picture courtesy of Bridges to a Brighter Future)

This is the question that Bridges to a Brighter Future seeks to answer through their new program Crossing the Bridge. “Our ultimate goal in starting Crossing the Bridge is to have 100% of our students graduate from college” says Casey Crisp, Associate Director of Bridges to a Brighter Future.

The program started in August of 2010 when an anonymous donor gifted Bridges 3 million dollars to expand their program. They thought about expanding into another county, or taking on middle school students, but in the end, they decided the students would benefit most from a college success program.

Bridges to a Brighter Future makes college accessible to students through their Summer Program and Saturday College. Thanks to these two programs, for the past two years 100% of bridges students pursued higher education, and their students average GPA is currently a 3.8. 

“Even with this success, we found that many of our students were facing challenges once they got to college, ” says Crisp.

These challenges are not uncommon. A study by the U.S Department of Education shows students who are the first members of their families to attend college “are at a distinct disadvantage in gaining access to postsecondary education. Even those who overcome the barriers and do enroll have difficulty remaining enrolled and attaining a degree.” The same is true for low-income students, with only 9% of enrollees ultimately receiving a degree. 

Crossing the Bridge hopes to improve graduation rates through various components including, but not limited to:

•  One week summer program- students learn the keys to success in college ranging from study skills to decision-making  
•  Individual visits- Bridges staff visit students at their respective colleges once a semester
• Bridges Buddies- ongoing support and encouragement from Furman University professors  
• Special workshops- seminars held during college breaks on a variety of topics  

Check out photos from the first week long summer program!

 

(All Photos courtesy of Bridges to a Brighter Future)

I cant wait to elaborate on Crossing the Bridge’s various components over the next few weeks! Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below.

Lindsey A.