Building College Readiness: Exploring the Effectiveness of the UNC Academic Summer Bridge Program

Abstract

Many students enter college without the skills and knowledge needed to successfully perform college-level work. An important leverage point for increasing college readiness is the transition from high school to college. One strategy implemented at postsecondary institutions to ease this transition, boost academic and social readiness, and foster students’ academic momentum is the summer bridge program. The purpose of this study was to examine how summer bridge programs influence student persistence and completion. The study used propensity score analysis to examine the impact of five summer bridge programs operating in the UNC system from 2008 to 2014. The analyses showed a positive association between summer bridge participation and persistence to the second and third years. Participation in the program also increased the likelihood of graduating in 4 years. Additionally, we provide information on the costs of operating these programs.