For first-time college student Kevin Camit, having clear goals in mind has helped him focus on studying for a career in psychology. After growing up in Fresno, Camit and his family moved to northern Nevada to look for more opportunities. Camit’s goal was to follow his father’s footsteps in attending college, and he knew to look for support on campus. Fortunately, he found the TMCC Success First Summer Bridge Program, which provided him the chance to get extra support while also taking free classes.
Summer Bridge is an annual evidence-based college readiness program to promote enrollment, persistence, and successful completion among low-income, first-generation, first-time college students. This entry point gives students a jumpstart to TMCC with core college courses the summer before their first academic year. Students learn about STEM and growing career fields with access to educational and motivational support, such as tutoring, writing support, advising, counseling, and more.
“It’s important to TMCC that our first-time, first-generation college students get extra support in their first classes,” says TMCC President Dr. Karin Hilgersom. “Data has consistently shown that students who have completed the Summer Bridge program have significantly higher persistence and graduation rates than those who have not participated.”
“It is so exciting that students attend for free, thanks to generous supporters who cover all of the program costs,” says Hilgersom. Students enroll in Math and College Readiness courses, and as an incentive, students who complete the six-week Success First Summer Bridge program with at least a 2.0 GPA earn an $800 scholarship ($400 in the fall, $400 in the spring).
After 15 years, TMCC data shows that Summer Bridge participants are more likely to enroll in higher-level college classes, be enrolled full-time compared to part-time, and remain enrolled in TMCC after their first semester. The program also serves a high minority population with 62% of the 2023 group identifying as Hispanic.
“The program empowers first-generation college students to thrive academically—while fostering growth at every step,” said Jocelyn Cabrera, Summer Bridge alumna and program coordinator. “This is a full-circle moment for me. This program supported my academic journey and has set my professional career in ways I could have never imagined.”
For many Summer Bridge students, extra support comes from one-on-one tutoring.
This summer retired pediatrician Dr. Barry Frank joined the ranks of dedicated tutors who were helping students learn complex mathematical concepts such as algebra.
Frank remembers that at the start of the summer, the Summer Bridge students took a math exam and it was clear many students were struggling. “But they didn’t drop out,” he says proudly. “I can connect with a student and feel I’m making a difference in their learning experience. When we finish working on problems I ask them to walk me back through the steps we just finished. And if they can do that it helps.”
Frank has had a lifetime of experience volunteering in classrooms since his own child was young. He became a tutor this summer after donating to the TMCC Foundation supporting scholarships for students in the Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program and learning about the opportunities in Summer Bridge.
“There’s a lot of support [for Summer Bridge students]. Everyone from Dr. Hilgersom down to the other tutors,” said Frank. “Adine Stormoen has been helpful (TMCC Manager for the Life Sciences Allied Health and Public Safety Division). She’s a good tutor; she knows math and how to connect with kids. I’ve learned a lot from watching the other tutors.”
“The students aren’t asking for help which is human nature I wander around to see if someone needs help right at that moment I hope they will take away from this summer experience that there’s help available when they need it A lot of people are rooting for them [to succeed].”
The Summer Bridge 2024 closing ceremony took place in early August celebrating the cohort of 109 students.
“One of the most memorable experiences I had was the STEM workshop,” said 2024 participant Andi Galindo “We were assigned the project of making paper helicopters to see whose could stay in air for longest time Although it was competition we all exchanged ideas were able learn each other’s mistakes The workshop helped us practice teamwork how take criticism others ask help These are all skills we’ll use throughout our college career grateful got put them use throughout our time here”
Galindo acknowledged that Summer Bridge is challenge but one worth facing Over past six weeks taken path learning growth she said obstacles faced through journey pushed think critically provided valuable skills hoping all use upcoming semester
“I want show everyone word impossible needs go vocabulary” says Camit word ‘impossible’ words ‘I can’t’ ‘I won’t’ aren’t real Those lies tell ourselves because live world negativity want change want show everyone words need saying ‘possible’ ‘I can’ ‘I will.’ Thankfully Summer Bridge letting do that”
“Close 1 500 students participated since inception continued Hilgersom result these continued higher GPAs retention rate next semester”
The TMCC Foundation Grants Office works year-round find community support receives annual assistance state-supported general improvement fee funding financial aid Additionally grateful generous donors contribute more than $100 000 annually The 2024 donors include:
NV Energy Foundation
Plumas Bank
Nell J Redfield Foundation
Susanne Gloria Young Foundation
U S Bank Foundation
TMCC also receives support University Nevada Reno grant Nevada IDeA Network Biomedical Research Excellence INBRE increase number low-income non-traditional gender underrepresented minority undergraduates interested successfully working toward biomedical careers
“I would like say thankful amazing opportunity here” said participant Rachel Rodriguez last six weeks nothing less phenomenal full wonderful opportunities want thank kindhearted wonderful donors made possible Because generosity took first step accomplishing dream being first family attend become pediatric nurse”
“TMCC proud participants many completed education now working community” says Hilgersom honor know made difference lives set path great careers”
Rodriguez continued As first-generation oldest girl family lot pressure going didn’t confidence myself accomplish goals Since finishing feel confident ability myself family For more information contact Recruitment Access Center at 775-673-8236