COSAM News Articles 2011 July Auburn University hosted residential science program for incoming freshmen

Auburn University hosted residential science program for incoming freshmen

Published: 07/25/2011

A group of 22 highly motivated incoming Auburn freshmen were on campus this summer during the month of June for the 15th annual Summer Bridge Program hosted by the College of Sciences and Mathematics.

The four-week residential program kicked off June 5, and engaged students from groups traditionally underrepresented in sciences, mathematics and engineering in activities designed to help them make a smooth transition from high school to the Auburn campus.

The program provided pre-freshmen students from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina and Indiana with the academic growth and social support needed to excel in their chosen career paths. Emphasis was onacademic enrichment, enhancement of study and time-management skills, community and network building and career awareness.

During the program, students participated inseveraleventsincluding: a student/parent orientation; mathematics and chemistry lectures and workshops; an imbedded writing component in the Auburn Experience and Success Strategies courses; and departmental visits to the Harrison School of Pharmacy, the Department of Mathematics, and the Ralph Brown Draughon Library. Students also attended lecture presentations on a variety of topics including: “Counseling,” given by Student Counseling Services; “Financial Responsibility,” given by the AT&T Pioneers; and “How to Pass Physics” given by the Department of Physics. Additionally, students toured the Auburn University Medical Clinic and East Alabama Medical Center, took field trips to the Rosa Parks Museum and the Civil Rights Memorial at the Southern Poverty Law Center, and participated in community service events.

An example of a community service event Bridge program participants experienced was a visit to both the Auburn and Opelika Boys and Girls Clubs to interact with club members as they performed hands-on science experiments. While Boys and Girls Club members learned about science, Bridge students strengthened their self-confidence and leadership skills.

Since the program’s inception in 1997, more than 400 students have participated and many have graduated in the STEM disciplines: sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics.

For more information about Summer Bridge, visit the Summer Bridge Website