Jeny Carpio, a participant in the Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) Summer Bridge – Success First program, overcame academic challenges to graduate from high school early and earn her associate degree in May 2025. Initially told she would not graduate on time as a junior at Sparks High School, Carpio credited TMCC’s programs with helping her get back on track.
After struggling during her freshman year, Carpio enrolled in TMCC Jump Start Dual Credit classes. She later learned about the Summer Bridge - Success First program from a friend. “My friend told me about a free math class offered by Summer Bridge. At first, I hesitated because math had always been my most challenging subject in high school. I applied but was waitlisted. Then, a week before the program started, I received a text saying a spot had opened up. Without knowing how my summer would unfold or whether I would even pass the class, I decided to take the chance. That small ‘yes’ became the beginning of everything I didn’t know I was capable of; it was the start of a story I’m proud to keep writing.”
The Summer Bridge program is designed for low-income and first-generation students to prepare for college before their first academic year begins. It provides support in STEM fields, tutoring, advising, and more. Data shows that participants are more likely to enroll full-time and continue at TMCC after their first semester. In 2024, 82% of participants identified as Hispanic.
Students complete six weeks of Math and College Readiness courses and can receive an $800 scholarship if they finish with at least a 2.0 GPA.
Carpio described how the program introduced her to additional resources such as TRIO Student Support Services Program and opportunities like internships with the Desert Research Institute (DRI). She also joined student organizations: “Previously, I hadn’t had the support that I needed, and that’s what Summer Bridge did. They had workshops, where I learned about the TRIO Student Support Services Program, how to get a job on campus, and helped me get an internship with the Desert Research Institute (DRI). I also became involved with the Student Government Association, where I learned how to start a club. So, in my first year, I started the Poetry and Art Club.”
She added: “Summer Bridge was like a quiet beginning of a life-altering shift,” she said.” They helped me leave a draining work environment and get a job on campus at Admissions and Records, gain research experience through the DRI, become club president, earn my first A in math, receive transfer advising from TRIO, and most importantly find a community that feels like family.”
As the first member of her family to attend college—and despite medical challenges—Carpio took eighteen credit hours per semester plus winter courses: “Since I am first gen my family didn’t know what I was going through or how many classes I was taking so I was mostly on my own navigating college. My Summer Bridge mentors were like my map throughout it all,” she said.
“When I walked the stage and saw my mentors peers coworkers and supportive family in the audience I was reminded how throughout the semester they continued to build me up through any hardships I faced Without their support genuinely do not know where I'd be today It's insane think went from barely graduating high school earning associate degree honors year early Seeing them all there at graduation such bittersweet full-circle moment.”
Carpio has been accepted into University of Nevada Reno for fall enrollment She made Dean's List spring semester served tutor 2025 Summer Bridge cohort giving back Reflecting on experience Carpio says “Summer Bridge changed my life in ways that could’ve never imagined This program sparked butterfly effect will always deeply grateful for”
The 2025 Summer Bridge completion ceremony celebrated 122 students Now in its sixteenth year over 1 500 students have participated since inception
“It does take village make this happen” said TMCC President Jeffrey Alexander.“ We’re so proud be able do it for you Students who complete Summer Bridge almost 90% likely carry on from fall next spring You’ve made investment yourselves your future your ability persist next phase ”
“There’s reason why NV Energy longtime donor this program ” said TMCC Foundation board member Zeina Randall Vice President Electric Delivery NV Energy “It’s because we believe this program value adds difference makes peoples’ lives You are surrounded here by people who want see succeed will support every aspect from academic emotional ”
TMCC thanked donors including The Nell J Redfield Foundation The Susanne Gloria Young Foundation Dr Barry Frank AT&T Nevada Plumas Bank NV Energy Foundation U S Bank Foundation for making annual program possible
For information about supporting Summer Bridge contact TMCC Foundation