A record number of incoming freshman are getting a head start on studying and living on the campus of San Diego State this week. Its part of an intensive academic program that helps low-income, first-generation college students survive their freshman year. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
More than 130 students are taking part in the university's Summer Bridge Program this year - that's up from 119 last year. For the next five weeks, these low-income, first-generation college students will live on campus and follow a tight schedule of classes and tutoring sessions. Program director Jay Anderson says these students need more help adjusting to college life because no one in their family has moved on past high school.
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So they don't have that family history. That tells them, oh don't worry about this. You know I've been through it you can get through it. So we're there to care and nurture them.
Anderson says these students are more likely to remain in college and graduate if they make it past their first two years of college. Summer Bridge students will also receive some training on how to live independently. Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
