Western Carolina University (WCU) enrolls students from many different backgrounds and demographic categories. While access to the institution has expanded over the years, equity gaps still exist relative to retention and graduation outcomes for students in different demographic groups. Several offices at the University offer programing and…

The researchers explored how the migrant students characterized their experiences in the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) program at a predominately White institution in Georgia and how they developed identity in this qualitative study. Interviews with seven migrant students were transcribed and coded for themes using Baxter Magolda's…

College transition programs offer early access to the collegiate experience, aid in the adjustment of students transitioning to college, and facilitate positive adjustments for Black women in their early college years. Less is known about whether Black women identify these programs as having a lasting influence on their college degree programs and…

This study investigates the impact of summer bridge programs on the transition, engagement, and retention of Black male students at predominantly White institutions (PWIs). Black males continue to face significant challenges in higher education, including low retention rates and limited feelings of belonging. The purpose of this mixed-methods…

American Institutes for Research (AIR) conducted a three-year exploratory case study of four two-year graduate-level bridge programs designed to increase the number of historically underrepresented groups of individuals earning PhDs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This article presents findings from one component of a…

Qualitative research on the first-year experiences of Black male commuter students entering institutions of higher learning is necessary to provide a deeper look at institutional and individual factors that these students may experience, which impact their academic success. Understanding the issues that affect Black male college students in…

Summer Bridge Programs (SBP) provide students with academic and social resources that build a support network to facilitate college transition, yet research has focused on quantitative studies. The purpose of this study was to identify how the Summer Bridge Program (SBP) at a predominantly white university (PWI), CU Boulder, helps Latinx…

Though gains have been made in broadening participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for underserved and historically marginalized groups, challenges remain with recruiting, retaining, and graduating Black women in STEM. This study offers a nuanced response to this underrepresentation and centers on participants'…

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a minority bridge program's (MBP) impact on the academic success of African American undergraduates at a predominantly White institution (PWI). Minority bridge programs (MBP) are transition programs designed to academically and socially prepare students transition points in their…

Summer Bridge Programs (SBP) have demonstrated success for underrepresented students in STEM fields. However, a review of published reports of these programs suggests mixed and some negative results with very few programs having been subjected to rigorous evaluations (Kallison & Stader, 2012; Sablan, 2014; Strayhorn, 2011). Utilizing a…