Bridge Programs

The Phoenix College Summer Bridge Program started back in 2012 with the purpose of providing new high school graduates with the academic and social skills necessary to be successful in college.  The program links directly to the Phoenix College Strategic Plan by fulfilling its goals of service, connection and leadership.  The PC Summer Bridge Program delivers a life-changing experience and provides a holistic college experience by targeting students at risk of prematurely departing including underrepresented minorities, and first generation. The program offers the students an orientation to college life and resources, tutoring, mentoring, academic advising, financial aid and literacy, time management, study skills, workshops, presenters, and academic coursework. Additionally, students build relationships with peers, faculty, and staff. 

The program has developed as a team effort; we have successfully partnered with the financial aid office, academic advisement, admissions and records, cashiers office, fiscal office, learning commons, Math department, English department, Career Services, and the counseling department.  

The Summer Bridge Program is delivered across a span of 5 weeks for incoming freshmen. Although the content of the Summer Bridge program has varied from year to year, students participate in a credit course in Math, Science, English, or College Success.  Each course has an embedded Student Success Specialist, tutoring, and supplemental mentoring as needed. 

We have found positive effects on the completion, success, and retention rates of new high school students. Most importantly, this program is a great opportunity for recent high school graduates to give them the skills, confidence and knowledge to achieve and maintain success in college while receiving all the resources and service that they will need to be COLLEGE READY!!