UC students get a head start through Summer Bridge Program
Students can spend six weeks in an immersive program to prepare them for their first year
More than 30 years ago, the Dr. Edward N. Prather Summer Bridge Program at the University of Cincinnati was created with the mission of ensuring academic preparedness for historically excluded students pursuing degrees in science and engineering.
The program takes place over a six-week period during the summer before students enter college. Prior to the kickoff of their first year at UC, Bridge students live in on-campus dorms and get a taste of what it will be like when they arrive for the fall semester. During these six weeks, students take courses in physics, chemistry, math, can earn credit in college English, and get an introduction to the College of Engineering and Applied Science's first-year Engineering Design Thinking course.
"When I was a senior in high school, I was invited to the CEAS Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement (IECE) end-of-year celebration and connected with some of the IECE staff, who told me about the program," said Jada Teregeyo, a former Summer Bridge student and CEAS class of 2024 alumna.
Teregeyo was part of the 2019 cohort of Summer Bridge. Most students who enroll in Summer Bridge go on to study engineering. However, the program has expanded to partner with several other colleges at UC, including the College of Allied Health Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Medicine, and UC Clermont College. Typically, the program consists of around 50 students.
Jada Teregeyo (front, center) was part of the 2019 cohort of Summer Bridge students. Photo/Corrie Mayer/CEAS Marketing.
"One of the most important things Bridge gives students is community," said Kelsi Goins, executive director of CEAS IECE. "For students to meet one another and get acclimated to the campus and city before the semester, there's a lot of opportunity for them with Summer Bridge."
Summer Bridge impacted my entire life
Tia Current Summer Bridge and CEAS alumna
Every Friday, Summer Bridge students tour a local industry and learn about engineering in practice. Photo/provided
Monday through Thursday, students are in classes all day, like a typical high school schedule. Fridays are reserved for industry visits. Through the cooperative education (co-op) program, CEAS has close ties with many companies in the area. Teregeyo shared that this was her favorite part of the program. The introduction to industry professionals and what an engineering job could look like was very beneficial as a teenager. The connections formed through Bridge have an impact far beyond these six weeks.
"Bridge impacted my entire life," said Tia Current, former Summer Bridge student and CEAS alumna. "I met my employer through the program and started full-time with them this summer."
Current received her bachelor's degree from UC in chemical engineering in 2024 and joined Marathon Petroleum as a refining engineer. The Summer Bridge Program facilitates connections for students among local industry professionals and among one another. Making friends and getting involved can be daunting for students in their first year of college. However, with Summer Bridge, when these students arrive on campus for the fall semester, they have the added benefit of knowing some of their classmates from day one.
Tia Current made lifelong connections and friends through the Summer Bridge program. Photo/provided
"I met lifelong friends through Bridge," Current said. "The program set me up for having a support system between my classmates and the IECE office, who hosts the program. Throughout my entire college career, whenever I needed anything, they were there."
Bridge is one of the many collegiate and pre-collegiate initiatives offered by IECE. Finding a sense of belonging is often a challenge for students entering college. IECE and the Bridge program work to close this gap and welcome students to CEAS with open arms.
The program has impacted hundreds of students in the last three decades. DeJuan McGuire, who has worked in the industry since graduating from UC in 1998, reflects on his experience fondly. He shared that in 1993, the Summer Bridge program set him up for success from the start in CEAS, gave him a better idea of what engineering school would be like, and how to succeed.
The best part about the program was the cooperative nature of it. I would encourage any student to participate in Summer Bridge if they have the chance
DeJuan McGuire, Former Summer Bridge student
Essentially, the Summer Bridge Program is a version of summer school that prepares students for a rigorous five years of engineering. Current, McGuire, and Teregeyo all shared the same sentiment of hesitation to partake in summer school during initial registration. However, upon reflection, they all have appreciation for the program and how it positively impacted not only their time at UC, but their lives beyond college.
Along with the introduction to her employer, Current was also inspired to give back to the program and spent several semesters as a teaching assistant for Summer Bridge. The program made such a difference in her UC experience she wanted to help make a difference in other students' lives.
"I was a Bridge TA a couple of times. I made the effort to stay engaged with students to help set them up for success, since it helped me throughout my entire college career," Current said.
At the end of the 2024 school year, graduating Summer Bridge students were honored at the IECE dinner. Photo/Corrie Mayer/CEAS Marketing
At the end of the six weeks, participants are celebrated with a closing event, a recognition of the hard work they put in throughout the summer. Students get a short break before returning to campus to officially become a Bearcat and are equipped with knowledge of campus and a support group to lean on.
"The best part about the program was the collaborative nature of it. We students were strongly encouraged to study together and help one another to succeed," McGuire said. "I would encourage any student to participate in Summer Bridge if they have the chance."
Featured image at top: Engineering students that were in the 2019 cohort of Summer Bridge and graduated in 2024 were honored at the 2024 end of year IECE dinner. Photo/Corrie Mayer/CEAS Marketing
Interested in applying for Summer Bridge?
Students and families can find application information on the CEAS IECE website. For any additional questions, feel free to reach out to Andi Talbott, program coordinator.
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