The Summer Bridge Program at Clayton State Gives New Students a Jumpstart on Success through Tailored Academic Support
(July 28, 2026) - Students invited to participate in Clayton State University's Summer Bridge Program have demonstrated the potential to succeed in college and are provided with an opportunity to begin their academic journey with additional support. Students are invited to participate because, although they do not initially meet one ACT or SAT score requirement for regular admission, their high school academic performance demonstrates strong potential for college success. Through a combination of college coursework, academic skill development, and personalized guidance, participants build a strong foundation for success while earning their first college credits. Students who successfully complete the program earn admission to Clayton State University and begin the fall semester with confidence, momentum and six credit hours earned.
According to Karrina Moen, Program Manager of Clayton State’s Center for Academic Success, “I know from hearing from a lot of students who communicate with us upon their entry into Summer Bridge that they wouldn't have had the opportunity to come to Clayton State without the program. This is a bridge into completing their entry into the university space. So that's pretty transformational.”
The Summer Bridge Program has a strong track record of student success, according to Tuni Acosta, Associate Director of the Center for Academic Success. She said, “Of the students who participate in the program, we've had over a 98% success rate during the summer term. Since I've overseen the program, only one student has not met our minimum standard of earning at least a 2.0 GPA (Grade Point Average). Every other student has earned above a 2.0 in the summer, and many have earned a perfect 4.0.”
In addition to improving academic performance, participants in the program have gone on to work on campus in positions that support other students. Moen shared, “We have one former Bridge student who works with us in the Center for Academic Success, and others who are involved in Student Affairs. And so, they're a lot more involved on campus.”
Moen explained that during the opening days of the Summer Bridge program, students are immersed in activities and learning opportunities that prepare them for the college and campus experience. She said, “In the boot camp, we try to cover a wide range of topic areas. We offer writing and math support, as well as assistance with standard academic skills. We also introduce them to a variety of speakers and resources on campus. During those first two weeks of the Bridge program, referred to as the Boot Camp, they are focused on doing those types of learning opportunities before they even start classes.”
During the Summer Bridge Program, students develop the academic habits and routines that support college success. Acosta explained, “Students are required to participate in study hall, but our goal is for them to understand where the study spaces are, why dedicated study time is important, and how establishing those habits will benefit them throughout college.” She added, “We want them to know what resources are available on campus. If they have questions about finances, they know whether to go to the Bursar's Office or Financial Aid. If they're looking for a job on campus, they know to connect with Career Services. The program is designed to help students acclimate to the university and become familiar with the many resources available to support their success.”
Moen shared that some of the Summer Bridge Program students don’t realize that the program isn’t just a requirement to check off a list, but it is something that will impact how they experience college and build the skills they need to succeed. She said, “We're building academic and social confidence through the program, normalizing student support early. I've even heard from several Bridge students this year who said I was not looking forward to study hall, but I'm getting my work done because I'm here.”
The Summer Bridge Program is truly a campus-wide program that succeeds because of all the shared expertise and team effort involved. Acosta said, “We appreciate all the support around campus, and we think that's very beneficial to the students because a lot of departments collaborate with us to make the Bridge Program happen. The Bursar's Office, Admissions, Career Services, the faculty, the staff, and the College of STEM did a tour of the robotics lab and the CSI lab. They also toured the Archives and the Library. All these departments have worked with us; even Laker Life did a presentation with them, and they got to tour the SAC (Student Activities Center).”
"Everyone across campus collaborates with us. That includes faculty partners such as Dr. Louisa Catalano, who teaches mathematics during the Boot Camp; Dr. Samuel Maddox, Dr. Mark Watson, and Dr. Michael Lindsay, who have consistently taught Summer Bridge courses and played an integral role in the program's success. We're also grateful to the many other faculty members who have taught and supported the Summer Bridge Program over the years. Their commitment and collaboration have been instrumental in helping our students succeed."
Moen emphasized that "The Summer Bridge Program helps students begin college with increased confidence, academic habits, and more connection with campus resources. We are excited to continue to see more eligible students embrace this program and participate fully.” She added, “Families, staff and faculty can support these students by reinforcing that Summer Bridge is not just an admissions requirement, but an important first step toward long-term college success."