A BluePrint for Success: Case Studies of Successful - Educational ...

A Blueprint for Success
gle parents), and racial and ethnic diversity are all considered to ensure that a diverse group of students
is selected.
The new rising tenth graders join two classes of continuing rising junior and senior-level students for
a total of approximately 80 students. Students may return for two consecutive summers if they maintain
a 3.0 grade point average and remain in good standing with the Bridges program and their
school.
Program Staff
Bridges to a Brighter Future employs two full-time staff members and a half-time administrative assistant
year-round. The summer program uses approximately 15 college student counselors, 10
teachers, and an academic coordinator, all of whom are part-time and seasonal (summer only). The
program also relies on volunteers, partnering with many corporations and groups to provide the Saturday
College tutoring and help with summer program presentations and trip coordination. The
Crossing the Bridge program uses approximately 25 volunteer mentors, called “college buddies,”
who are available as a support person for the students.
Programs Components
Summer Program
The four-week summer residential program is held at Furman University in June and July. Students
attend the summer program for three consecutive summers beginning in ninth grade. The summer
program is transformational, as the classes, activities, workshops, and exposure experiences change
student’s attitudes, perspectives, and goals. Students attend core academic and enrichment classes
four days a week and visit colleges one day a week. The first-year students participate in a ropes challenge
course during the first week to overcome fears and build trust and confidence. Additionally,
the program includes academic and personal enrichment components; leadership development
courses for returning students; diversity workshops; workshops on topics such as career exploration,
etiquette, college planning, college success, healthy decision-making, and personal development; various
field trips in Greenville; college campus visits; community service with local non-profit agencies;
weekend night social activities; and various evening opportunities for structured physical activities
(i.e., swimming and tennis lessons, dance, etc.).
Saturday College
Saturday College provides year-round academic and personal reinforcement and support to enhance
the impact of the four-week summer program. It is designed to: further increase students’ academic
and personal success; keep students focused on the academic and personal goals they have set for
themselves; and, identify student challenges as they develop, in order to provide opportunities for
intervention before problems magnify and become insurmountable. One Saturday a month during
the academic year (i.e., nine sessions from September through May), students come to Furman Uni-
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