Students cross ‘bridge’ to college with free summer program at STCC

STEM Starter Academy Summer Bridge program gives students a head start

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – It’s been a few years since he last sat in a classroom which is one of the reasons why Bradley De Jesus is grateful for the STEM Starter Academy Summer Bridge Program at Springfield Technical Community College.

“It’s definitely helped me with relearning a lot of what I’d forgotten over the years,” said De Jesus, who is interested in physics. He graduated from high school in 2015 and recently decided to return to school to pursue a degree.

De Jesus is taking math, English and First-Year Experience classes at STCC this summer through the Summer Bridge program, which offers incoming fall students registered in a STEM or Undeclared/General Studies major a head start toward their first semester on campus. The program is part of the STEM Starter Academy, which supports underrepresented student populations by providing equity and access to majors in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

“It’s a great way for everyone to get their foot in the door for college,” said Samar Ghrear, STEM Starter Academy activity coordinator who works directly with the students. Jason Phillips, an academic counselor at STCC, advises and works with students over the summer.

This year, 32 STEM Starter Academy students are participating, which is double the number of students enrolled last year, Ghrear said. She hopes to keep expanding in the coming years.

The program also includes 13 students from STCC’s Male Initiative for Leadership and Education (MILE) program. MILE is designed to provide inclusive academic support, mentoring and community engagement opportunities to male students at STCC and increase retention rates of Black and Latino men.

"We are thrilled to partner with STEM Starter Academy and STEM in continuing the MILE Summer Bridge program," said Miguel Maria, assistant dean of Student Initiatives. "With a focus on empowering incoming students, this transformative initiative offers a wealth of support and resources, including academic advising, tutoring, and financial aid counseling. We firmly believe that this program will elevate our students' educational journey and drive substantial improvements in their academic outcomes."

Summer Bridge not only offers credit courses in English and math, but also a First-Year Experience class that addresses the many transitional needs of new students at STCC.

It’s a great way for everyone to get their foot in the door for college Samar Ghrear, STEM Starter Academy Activity coordinator

“We are excited to offer the Summer Bridge program to our students,” said School of STEM Dean Lara Sharp. “The program is connected to our strategic planning for the next five years. Programs like Summer Bridge clear the path to student success and remove barriers.”

STCC, the only technical community college in Massachusetts, is a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution, which means at least 25 percent of the students identify as Latina/Latino/Latinx. The college’s technical programs align with labor market trends and address workforce needs.

Another student participating in the Summer Bridge Program, Gabrielle Stevenson, hopes to study Diagnostic Medical Sonography at STCC. The Holyoke resident is interested in learning to operate special equipment to create images or to conduct tests.

STCC is the first college experience for Stevenson, 24.

“I’m happy to be here,” Stevenson said. “I’m actually going to start a career instead of just bouncing into things I liked but didn’t have a full passion for. I have a passion for sonography and body scans and finding out what’s wrong with people to help them.”

Students In Summer Bridge started in June with two weeks of intense “boot camp” to prepare for the math course. They also learned how to use Blackboard, the application for online teaching and learning. Upon successful completion at the end of the summer, students will receive a total of seven free credits in math, English and First-Year Experience classes.

Students receive free supplies, tutoring and advising as well as opportunities to participate in enriching STEM experiences, events and activities throughout the academic year. At the end of the summer, if they successfully complete the program with a grade of C or higher they receive a $500 stipend.

Jessica Phillips of West Springfield said she appreciates the program and looks forward to the fall semester when she will be a full-time STCC student.

“It’s helping me proceed into my major, graphic design,” she said. “I’m glad to get the basics out of the way and get a head start on the first semester.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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