Examining the transition to engineering: A multi-case study of six diverse summer bridge program participants

Abstract

The first year of engineering is critical as students often find it difficult to make the transition from being high school seniors to college freshmen. In an attempt to mitigate this transition, many colleges offer summer bridge programs that aim to provide students with enriching experiences believed to facilitate the acquisition of the skills needed to be successful in college. However, students can benefit from and experience a program differently even if they participate in the same activities. Our research study contributes to understanding how students benefit from a five-week summer bridge program by examining the experiences of six students with varying backgrounds. While the program initially targeted only engineering students from underrepresented ethnic minority populations, it has since expanded to be open to all engineering students as well as those who are accepted into the university but not directly into engineering. The purpose of this multicase study is to highlight individual experiences: particularly the impact that participation in a summer bridge program can have on academic motivation and the lessons students learn as they transition towards engineering. While each student did report an improved understanding of how much effort is required to earn an engineering degree, lessons pertinent to the personal transition of each student were also revealed. The findings presented in this paper will assist engineering colleges with helping students with the college transition. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2014.