State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) recognized 19 students who completed the 2018 Summer Bridge Program at a special ceremony Aug. 2. The program gives students in the College Reach-Out Program (CROP) a jumpstart on their college education by giving them the opportunity to take two courses over the summer and other experiences to help them prepare for the fall term.
The Summer Bridge Program is led by SCF Special Programs Director Kristen L. Anderson and Jessica Torsell, SCF Special Programs retention specialist. Students received college scholarships covering tuition, books, school supplies and lunches, and completed up to six college credits by taking courses including Student Life Skills and either Psychology, Reading or Literature.
Eleven of the 19 students had perfect attendance through the summer, prompting Anderson to remind them that a big part of success in life is to show up.
Calvin Bien-Aime, who joined the CROP program while he was a student at Palmetto High School, said the summer session, for which he won a scholarship, helped him tremendously. He learned how to use the library for research, earned six credits and got to know SCF professors who helped him network with advertising professionals – the career he plans to pursue. Cecilia Velasquez, a CROP student from Southeast High, said she feels more confident about the fall term. “I will be ahead of the other freshmen coming to SCF,” she said.
During the ceremony, Christine Simons, one of the instructors, commended the students for their determination and their ability to make the transition from high school to college.
Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, SCF president, Richard Barnhouse, vice president of student services and enrollment management; Jaquelyn McNeil, dean of students; and Cassandra Holmes, executive director of the SCF Foundation, attended the ceremony, which was held in the Family Heritage House museum at SCF Bradenton. Others recognized at the celebration for their roles in helping to make the Summer Bridge Program a success were the teachers, Gladys Green, Nicole Teich and Simons.
All the students who completed the program are planning to attend college this fall, with 17 enrolled at SCF. College staff will check in with the students regularly to make sure they continue to make progress in their educational pursuits.
For more information, contact Anderson at AnderskL@SCF.edu or 941-752-5257.