{"id":224581,"date":"2024-08-05T15:44:43","date_gmt":"2024-08-05T19:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=224581"},"modified":"2024-08-05T16:11:15","modified_gmt":"2024-08-05T20:11:15","slug":"how-montclairs-early-college-programs-ensure-student-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2024\/08\/05\/how-montclairs-early-college-programs-ensure-student-success\/","title":{"rendered":"How Montclair\u2019s Early-College Programs Ensure Student Success"},"content":{"rendered":"

When students head off to college, few consider the possibility of dropping out, yet data shows many do, especially within the first year.<\/span><\/p>\n

About 25% of first-year students don’t return for their second year, and around 35% don’t stay at the same school. Montclair State University, however, excels in keeping students on track. Early-college programs are\u00a0credited with keeping students in school. They also perform better academically and earn higher GPAs.<\/span><\/p>\n

This summer, about 400 students took part in early-college experiences, including the Summer Bridge Scholars Program<\/a>, Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)<\/a> and Health Careers<\/a> \u2013 programs credited with ensuring college success by providing incoming freshmen, many the first in their family to attend college, an intentional supportive bridge from high school to college in the fall and beyond. Programs were also held at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNationally, summer bridge programs serve as a powerful equalizer, particularly for first-generation and underrepresented populations,\u201d says Daniel Jean, associate provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs. \u201cThe pre-fall exposure to the curricular and co-curricular environments leads to closing the achievement gap and improving overall scholar outcomes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Students show certificates earned after completing Montclair’s Summer Bridge Scholars Program (Photo by John J. LaRosa for Montclair State University)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5 Attributes of Montclair\u2019s Early College Programs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

EOF Director Rahjaun Gordon points out five attributes of Montclair\u2019s programs:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Academic preparation:<\/strong> Rigorous coursework helps students transition to college-level academics.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. College experience:<\/strong> A taste of campus life eases anxiety and sets realistic expectations.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Study skills development and academic support:<\/strong> Structure and time management are critical skills for any college student to be successful, and Montclair\u2019s programs tailor supplemental instruction and tutoring to students\u2019 needs.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Social and networking opportunities:<\/strong> Making friends and connections support students through college and beyond.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Campus Navigation:<\/strong> Students learn what resources the campus has to offer before their first official semester, fostering a sense of belonging, ownership and pride.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What Students Are Saying<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m one of the incoming freshmen who knows where most places are on campus.\u201d \u2013 Brittany Zelaya-Bustillo, incoming Accounting major<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cI will be going into the fall semester with a high GPA, new connections and experience navigating the campus.\u201d \u2013 Ruby Castillo, incoming Psychology major<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Ruby
    Ruby Castillo, left, and Brittany Zelaya-Bustillo are incoming freshmen who took part in the EOF Summer Academy. (Photo by John J. LaRosa for Montclair State University)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Highlights of Montclair\u2019s Early-College Programs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Summer Bridge Scholars<\/a> features residential and commuter options, including hybrid learning.<\/span><\/p>\n