La Vida Dominican - Avanza Summer Bridge Program

Launching your La Vida Dominican

Avanza Summer Bridge centers the interests and cultural wealth of those who identify as Latinx, Black, Indigenous, first-generation, and students of color. It is a comprehensive program with a mix of virtual and in-person programming that includes a virtual launch event and activities and a week-long residence experience with a 2-unit course in the summer before the students’ first year. The in-person portion is an on-campus experience where students will be introduced to faculty and staff, integrative coaches, peer mentors and become acquainted with the campus and the full range of academic and wrap-around services as part of their Dominican Experience. This program is designed to enhance academic skill sets and create a sense of belonging for all student participants. The program will extend beyond the summer and students will be invited to participate in multiple social and community events, cultural celebrations, and academic support offerings throughout the fall and spring semesters. To strengthen cohesion in this comprehensive program, full participation in all activities is required.

Extended Campus Network

The Avanza Summer Bridge program will provide each student with an extended network of faculty, staff, peer mentors, integrative coaches, and peers from their incoming class. La Vida Dominican is a community of belonging that will support, encourage, and celebrate students throughout their college journey.

Faculty - During summer bridge students will get to know faculty and establish relationships early on. Dominican faculty focus on training in culturally responsive/relevant pedagogy and equity-mindedness.

Staff - Students will get to know the staff and our wrap-around services on campus so they know who to talk to when a question comes up. La Vida Staff will always be a resource and will work with students to provide culturally relevant programming and a sense of belonging.

Peer Mentors - First-year and new transfer students will have a designated peer mentor to show them the ropes and guide them through their transition into Dominican.

Integrative Coaches - Integrative coaches are Dominican faculty and staff who specialize in supporting students. Integrative coaches also teach courses that foster student success, helping students adapt to college and prepare for their future.

Student Cohort - Students will get to know members of the incoming class cohort and develop deep-rooted relationships with their peers.

What will the program provide?

The program will empower students as they begin their undergraduate studies at Dominican. Students will grow familiar with the campus and the resources available to them. Workshops will help students meet and get to know key staff and various offices on campus such as financial aid, counseling, and student health services.

Who is this program for?

This program is for incoming Dominican undergraduate students who identify as Latino/a, Black, Indigenous, people of color, and/or those who are first-generation. We have specifically tailored the program to students who seek to experience a sense of belonging at Dominican from early on, and benefit from an extended network of support.

Where and when will the program take place?

Virtual work begins August 7th and will continue online until we meet in person. The on-campus phase takes place August 10 -14. For this component of summer bridge activities, participants will move into the residence hall a full week before their regularly-scheduled Orientation.

Why should I participate?

You get to move in early! By participating in the Summer Bridge program, you will uniquely have the early opportunity to learn about the full array of campus resources available to you, and begin fostering relationships that will follow you through your time at Dominican.