An Empirical Evaluation of a Summer Bridge Program on College Graduation at a Small Liberal Arts College. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Greer, Christiaan; Chi, Cheng; Hylton-Patterson, Nicole
• Is Part Of: Journal of college student retention. Volume 24:Number 4(2023)
• Page Start: 909
• Page End: 923
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: summer bridge program -- evaluation -- equal opportunity program -- college graduation rate -- college retention; College dropouts -- Periodicals; College dropouts -- Prevention -- Periodicals; College attendance -- Periodicals; 378.16913
• DOI: 10.1177/1521025120960035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1521-0251

Abstract

This longitudinal study evaluated the efficacy of a summer bridge program (SBP) and other support services on college graduation rates at a small liberal arts school in Purchase, NY. Financially disadvantaged students (n = 136) receiving a scholarship and a summer bridge curriculum within the Manhattanville Achievement Program were compared to students who received Pell Grants but did not receive the summer bridge program (n = 1, 293) from 2008–2014. Outcomes assessed included graduation at 4 years and 6 years post-enrollment, GPA, and demographic characteristics of those who were more likely to graduate. Results indicated that enrollment in the SBP predicted a greater likelihood to graduate at 4 and 6 years while enrollment in the SBP did not predict higher GPA at either 4 or 6 years post-enrollment. Consistent with national trends, men were less likely to graduate than women. Implications of the findings are discussed.