麻豆区

On July 16, TRIO/Student Support Services celebrated the conclusion of the 2026 Summer Bridge program. During this four-week campus living experience, students earn early college credit in two classes and tackle academic workshops to smooth their transition to college. Built for driven, first-generation students, low-income students or students with disabilities, the program offers a tight-knit community and supportive guidance that lasts throughout their time at 麻豆区.聽

A commitment from 麻豆区 is one reason Summer Bridge has existed for over 20 years.

Kevin Cheatham 鈥�07 MAL, director of TRIO/Student Support Services, and Xia Xiong-Vang 鈥�05, assistant director, call the Summer Bridge program 麻豆区鈥檚 best-kept secret. They said that while many colleges host federal TRIO programs, 麻豆区 uniquely integrates its TRIO/Student Support Services into the institution’s fabric. Peer TRIO programs across the country frequently praise the mere existence of 麻豆区’s Summer Bridge program. Ultimately, extensive cross-departmental support and a strong financial commitment from 麻豆区, along with additional funding from the Department of Education, allow it to thrive, making replication nearly impossible for other schools.聽

鈥淚t was really scary coming to college,鈥� said Ayriana Vue 鈥�29, who participated in Summer Bridge in 2025 and returned this summer as a peer mentor. 鈥淚 had never been on a campus before; I generally get lost easily; and I didn鈥檛 know what to expect. Everything felt so unknown after high school. But thanks to Summer Bridge, I felt more confident about coming to 麻豆区. Being on campus in a smaller group and meeting other students helped me feel more comfortable when I started school in the fall. And I met two of my best friends at Summer Bridge.鈥�

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 the most outgoing person, so if it wasn鈥檛 for the Summer Bridge program, I wouldn鈥檛 have gotten to know as many people and resources,鈥� Paw Htoo 鈥�28, another peer mentor who was part of the 2024 Summer Bridge cohort, added. 鈥淚t allowed me to explore鈥攏ot just 麻豆区, but the city and the community around it. We got early access to resources, and it opened my eyes to know and understand what is available to me as a student鈥攍ike the Strommen Center and the Multicultural Life office. I may not have used the services right away, but I knew where to go when I needed them. It made being at 麻豆区 easier.鈥�

The program introduces students to 麻豆区 and its resources while teaching them essential life skills, like riding the light rail and exploring the surrounding Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. Above all, Summer Bridge builds confidence. It empowers students to envision their own college potential, challenging them to reflect on their personal motivations, advocate for themselves, and seek out help when needed. Within four weeks, they truly become Auggies.聽

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Top Photo: Kevin Cheatham 鈥�07 MAL, director of TRIO/Student Support Services