The Patriot's Journey Summer Bridge Program

The Patriot's Journey Summer Bridge Program started in 2022. Funded partially by a U.S. Department of Education GEAR UP grant and supplemented by funds from the college’s foundation, the program provided graduating seniors who were not on the path to college after high school with the opportunity to jump-start a postsecondary education by completing four college courses and receiving enhanced engagement during a six-week summer session. The student cohort completed the following courses: College Transfer Success; Writing and Inquiry, a Writing and Inquiry Support corequisite; Math Measurement and Literacy, with Math Measurement and Literacy Support corequisite; and Disc Golf. Students received assistance with transportation, educational supplies, and food needs. All 10 students successfully completed every course. As a result of the success of this program, Isothermal Community College is tweaking the program design and preparing to launch a second cohort in summer 2023.

Innovator

• Greg Thomas, Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs