Abstract:
Summer bridge programs can be an ideal time for incoming freshmen college students to make valuable academic and social connections. Summer Bridge Programs have demonstrated success for in helping students make these connections. However, few programs have been studied extensively and been shown to have established success (Kallison & Stader, 2012, Strayhorn, 2012). This study, using a qualitative method, examined student perspectives of a summer bridge program and questioned how the participants integrated academically and socially to the university. The study took place at a large, public university in the Southeastern United States. Students reported favorable opinions of the bridge program. Students reported strong friendships developed over the 4-week program, positive impressions of the faculty, and a positive impression of the university.
