Bridging the Gap to College Success

Utah high school students with diverse backgrounds, joined their peers attending universities across Utah this fall for a two-day workshop.

Lessons involved students learning to rely on themselves and their peers to make the transition go more smoothly.

Scholarship knowledge was another topic where students were presented with sources of funding and ways to approach scholarship applications.

A group of excited high school graduates spent two days together attending our first ever BRIDGE to College Success Workshop held Aug. 5-6 at the University of Utah. The program was designed to give our students skills to better prepare them for starting college later in the month.

In all, 21 Utah high school students with diverse backgrounds, joined their peers attending Salt Lake Community College, Snow College, Southern Utah University, Utah State University and the University of Utah this fall.

Through GEAR UP these students received tutoring, mentoring, financial education, academic preparation, introduction to college admissions processes and visits to campuses. At the U, students participated in a range of skill-building and teamwork exercises over the course of two days, while staying in the new Kahlert Village.

The workshop provided hands-on exercises and collaborative projects, introspective sessions and featured speakers. During the exercise called Leadership, Inc, students adopted roles such as product development, marketing, manufacturing, and leadership. This process led to a discussion about preparing for classes and homework and meeting deadlines and expectations.

One key lesson that the students learned was to rely on themselves and their peers to make the transition go more smoothly. One exercise involved being partnered with another member of the group, while blindfolded and guided through an obstacle course.

In another activity, budgeting was presented as a way to track expenses without surprises. Students learned the difference between “wants” and “needs” and talked about ways to have both. One student talked about food insecurity and how it was hard to pay for groceries when there was very little in the bank. The 50/30/20 rule came in handy as a way to separate needs, from wants, and savings.

Scholarship knowledge was another topic where students were presented with sources of funding and ways to approach scholarship applications. Then they practiced applying for actual scholarships as part of a group competition and had discussion on ways to improve their answers.

Focus Training, which planned the curriculum for the workshop, made sure each activity was engaging and useful. Additionally, the GEAR UP College Advisors were on hand throughout the two days to connect with students and answer questions.

The BRIDGE workshop was not only rewarding to the students, but also to those who helped run it. Learning more about our students and the barriers that they face in achieving their college and future goals allows us the opportunity to offer more targeted help in the coming year.

This year, the USU STARS! GEAR UP grant two program will continue to support 899 students throughout their first year of college, thanks to a no-cost extension (NCE) from the Department of Education’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). The NCE gives us more time and money to support students during their first year of college.

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