Summer Bridge is a six-week program limited to a select group of students each year. The program is open to all students, however, the program was designed to serve the unique needs of African-American students with an emphasis on African-American themes. Since 1991, the MiraCosta College Summer Bridge Program has offered intensive academic preparation, highly individualized academic advising and enrichment programs in an intensive, yet nurturing environment during the summer. Bridge students have an excellent opportunity to strengthen their academic skills, develop a peer support network and to familiarize themselves with the demands of college life. Summer Bridge students will earn six UC/CSU transfer level credits in academically rigorous courses, which also become part of the student's official MiraCosta College transcript. Also, Bridge Program students will also receive guidance on course selection, career planning, and progress towards fulfilling degree requirements during the six week summer session.
Benefits
- Attend at no cost; lunch is provided and all supplies and expenses for the campus, field-trips and cultural activities are included.
- Receive a thorough evaluation of both academic and personal skills needed for success in college.
- Participate in career/vocational exploration activities to help make informed career choices.
- Receive an introduction to college that will provide an early understanding of the college system and the resources that can work for you.
- Gain study skills, time-management skills, goal setting and test taking strategies necessary for academic success.
- Enhance your group and social skills by meeting new friends and creating a support system with other Summer Bridge students.
Professional Development
Umoja is one of the Academic Success & Equity (ASE) programs. ASE programs offer professional development workshops and promote a career and life planning course open to all ASE students. These curricular and co-curricular offerings promote and help students make effective decisions regarding their career and life choices, increasing their employability.
Eligibility
You are eligible if you meet one of the following requirements:
- You are currently a high school junior or senior or
- You are at least 18 years old.
- Students must be able to commit to the entire six (6) week period.
Student Testimonials
“The Summer Bridge experience gave me the opportunity to experience level work so when I do start college in the fall, I am aware of the expectations of college work and activities. I believe that this program is very beneficial and I would recommend this to any students who might be having doubts about college.”
“I completely enjoyed my experience in the program and I am glad my mother hounded me so much about doing it. I wouldn’t have met some of the most amazing people. Not only that, but I gained 6 credits and I am ahead of many incoming college freshman. It’s a good feeling to have.”
“Summer Bridge was a great learning experience and I learned so much in the six weeks of being here. Summer Bridge opens your eyes to a lot of things that you don’t realize that you do and it helps you prepare a lot for college. I liked the fact that all the teachers and T.A.s are there to help you no matter what and before I came here I had horrible study habits and was a huge procrastinator and that all changed drastically.”
“I am so happy I decided to attend the Summer Bridge program. It has taught me so much and given me something I didn't even expect from the program and that was a sense of community. The teachers were so helpful and understanding and wanted me to be successful. My peers helped me out through rough times and also when I needed help with class. Despite the different backgrounds that we all came from, we all seemed to associate well with another. I hope this program continues and I also hope to visit these future students and let them know what Summer Bridge did for me.”
“I really liked the Summer Bridge Program. It provided me with a sense of community, and it also helped me to know that I was not alone in my struggle to succeed.”
Activities
Each Summer Bridge Cohort engages in a variety of activities throughout the 6 week program that enhance their sense of community, understanding of college, and overall learning.
- Kick-Off Breakfast
- Group BBQ
- Mid-Day Workshops featuring speakers from MiraCosta College and the wider community
that encompass a variety of topics such as:
- Student Services (Scholarships, Financial Aid, Writing Center, Etc.)
- Healthy Communication
- Motivation
- Conflict Resolution
- Stress Management
- Identity and Self Love
- College Field Trips
- End of Program Luncheon
Make a Donation
To make a tax-deductible contribution to the Summer Bridge Program, visit the Foundation website and select “Summer Bridge Program” from the Designation menu.
Or mail a check made out to the MiraCosta College Foundation to:
1 Barnard Drive MS 7
Oceanside CA 92056
*Please specify the Summer Bridge Program in the memo line.
Every donation makes a difference. Your contribution supports:
- Student scholarships
- University campus tours
- Unique cultural activities
- Student retention activities and incentives
- Program development
Student Checklist
Coming soon.
How to Apply
Summer Bridge Brochure
Contact Us
For more information on these services and programs contact:
Don Love
He/him/his
Umoja Program Counselor/Coordinator
Oceanside Campus
619-846-1009
dlove@miracosta.edu
The Umoja Program is a service of the Department of Student Equity. For general inquiries about all Student Equity programs and services, please contact us at studentequity@miracosta.edu or call our main office at 760.757.2121 x6900.
