Do students in summer bridge programs successfully improve math placement and persist? A meta-analysis

Abstract

In attempting to learn more about the efficacy of summer bridge programs, we discovered a general dearth of relevant performance data in the literature. We identified and examined 12 engineering summer bridge programs that serve new freshmen whose math placement is at or below pre-calculus, and for which meaningful student performance data has been published. The data that we compiled suggests that bridge programs are very successful in helping students to advance in math placement by at least one level. Less clear is whether bridge students outperform control group students in the years beyond the bridge program (as measured by retention, graduation, and grades), but some evidence suggests that this is the case. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2008.