By Tabitha Redder/nw news editor
A new program on NW is bridging the gap between socioeconomically disadvantaged students and success in school.
The Bridge targets first-time-in-college, low-income African-American and ESOL students and guides them through their transition into college until graduation.
“Our goal is to remove obstacles,” program coordinator Tia Cole said. “We want to make sure these students are successful, so that means not only do they start but that they finish. We want to do whatever we can to empower them.”
Students will apply and go through an interview process before they’re admitted into the program. The first round of the program will take place during the Summer II session and have only 40 students.
“[Cole] wants to speak with students because she wants to make sure that they are more serious about school, that they have a drive and that they’re invested,” said reading and ESOL instructor Anita Biber. “There needs to be a little commitment on the student’s part as well.”
Talisha Simpson, Bridge program assistant, said she thinks this is an invaluable opportunity for students.
“I was a first-generation college student,” she said. “I was confused when I started school because I didn’t have anybody to ask questions. I didn’t know how to take notes to learn the information. This will be really helpful because students will have people to go to that can give them those answers.”
The program places emphasis on creating a community of students going through school together. Various workshops as well as social events are planned.
Students will also be assigned a mentor, and many faculty and staff members have already volunteered to participate. Cole is also working on utilizing the resources on campus such as the testing center, transfer center and the career center.
“When students leave, they are going to have a resume and a cover letter,” Cole said. “They’re going to have a scholarship personal statement letter. They will have a portfolio that has everything in it they need to either get a job or go to a four-year school and complete a degree.”
