Andrew College announces launch of Summer Bridge program

CUTHBERT — Andrew College recently announced the launch of its Summer Bridge program, an initiative aimed at giving underprepared students a jump-start on their college careers.

Fifteen scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded for the program, which is designed for students who are under “conditional” or “provisional” admission to the college. Typically, this means that the student’s SAT or ACT score requires that they take English and/or math placement tests prior to registration.

Through Summer Bridge, students will be enrolled in courses structured to prepare them for college-level work in the fall. Learning Support Division Coordinator Katie Dodrill said the program should serve students in several ways in their preparation for higher education.

“This program should help students get their learning support courses completed before coming in the fall, which will help them graduate on time, and also provides them with the opportunity to build friendships and get acquainted with the school and the community,” she said. “We are excited to offer this program as an option for our students who need it.”

College officials said the program is set up as a cohort of students who will live in dorms, dine together, take courses together and participate in activities together to build friendships and become acquainted with the college atmosphere.

During the summer before their first fall semester, students will take the Andrew College Experience, or ACE, course, appropriate math and/or English learning support courses, as well as other college-level courses that do not require prerequisite courses.

If they earn a “C” or higher in the ACE course as well as any of the required English or math learning support courses, their admission status will be updated to “unconditional.” If they do not earn a “C” in each course during Bridge, they will have the opportunity to re-take the courses once more during a regular semester.

Throughout the semester, faculty and staff on the program’s team will assist students by teaching them skills needed for success in college. The program is designed to connect students with campus resources so that they can thrive at the college level.

Officials said there is no separate application for the program, which is open to any incoming freshman student awarded “conditional” or “provisional” acceptance to Andrew.

Students who elect to attend the program are enrolled in at least two courses for a total of at least six hours.

The cost is based on summer tuition and room rates and is dependent on the number of registered hours. Financial aid is available for the program for qualified applicants.

To determine financial aid eligibility, students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form for 2018-19. In addition, the student will need to fill out the FAFSA form for 2019-20 for the fall.

The program runs from May 30 to July 26. The website for the program is www.andrewcollege.edu/bridgeprogram.

Information on summer courses may be found in the school’s summer schedule, located on Andrew’s website under “Academics,” “Calendar/Course Schedule.”

Students who are interested in the program should contact Dodrill at [email protected] for more information.

The college, established in 1854, is related to the United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Situated in Cuthbert, it offers associate’s of art, associate’s of music, associate’s of nursing, associate’s of science and bachelor’s of business degrees.

Special Graphic