INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 2012) – Over 500 students are expected to attend the IUPUI University College two-week Summer Bridge program from August 6 –16, the two weeks preceding the beginning of the 2012 fall semester. As its name indicates, the Summer Bridge Program is designed to help “bridge” the gap between high school and college.

IUPUI schools participate and students, who are separated into groups of 20-25 by major interest, attend instructional sessions including sessions in math, writing, reading, and presentation skills. Each group has an academic advisor associated with their major interest school and participates in activities related to their chosen major. In addition, many groups engage in service learning projects. Students are also introduced to the IUPUI campus and downtown Indianapolis.

Summer Bridge, which began in 2001 with only 18 students, has proven to be an outstanding addition to the University College academic preparedness programs. During the 2011 academic year, Summer Bridge participants had higher GPAs (2.90) compared to non-participants (2.75). Participants also had 14 percent lower DWF rates (drop, withdrawal, fail) than non-participants (19 percent). African American and Hispanic participants had notably higher GPAs, lower DFW rates, and higher fall-to-spring retention rates than non-participating students.

Participating students learn of the program through mailings in the spring and at New Student Orientation, and acceptance into the program is on a first come-first served basis with spots filling up earlier and earlier each year. For more information, contact Heather Bowman at 317-274-8923 or emailhebowman@iupui.edu.

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For more information, contact Harriett Bennett at 317-274-5036 or emailhbennett@iupui.edu.