Editorial Column for Daily Herald
For Publication: 4/30/08

HCC: Providing a Bridge to the College Experience
Dr. Ervin V. Griffin, Sr.
President, Halifax Community College

Summer Bridge Program 2007 staff and students

Our Student Support Services (SSS) will host the third annual Summer Bridge Program from June 23-27. Summer Bridge has proven to be a success on Halifax Community College's campus. A primary focus of the program is to create a foundation that is instrumental in retaining students and developing student strengths.

Summer Bridge is a program that provides students with the success skills and motivation to persist in a college environment. The core curriculum includes college-level math, English and science preparation. It also focuses on relationship building with faculty and staff, development of an educational and career vision, and high-performance academic and career success skills.

This year's program will be held June 23-27 on HCC's campus. It will include motivational speakers from the North Carolina Community College System and others from across the state. Many students from the local high schools who will graduate in June have already signed up to participate in Summer Bridge. The program will be held from 9:00 a.m. to noon and caters to recent high school graduates as well as other students who will enroll for the fall semester.

“It's a bridge to making the transition into post secondary education,” says SSS Director Sherida Gholston. “To date, the program has helped around 100 students in the transition process… It emphasizes that education is worthwhile and helps to lower student anxiety about graduation and employment.”

Participants learn college survival skills, career development, time management and note taking tips. They also learn about leadership skills and how to prepare for exams, reports and assignments. Students receive study hints and shortcuts, as well as academic skills building.

Students who are admitted to the SSS Summer Bridge Program will participate in the week-long
program and receive comprehensive orientation to campus and academic requirements. They will also be exposed to freshman level or preparatory level classes, get to meet key college faculty, staff, and administrators, and receive college transfer advisement.

In addition to academics, students will have the opportunity to participate in a fun-filled, cultural activity. Last year, students, faculty and staff of the program participated in a two-day event that included a trip to New York City to see “The Color Purple” and a tour of Amish Country in Lancaster, Pa.
Upon completion of the Summer Bridge Program, students are adjusted to college life and well acquainted with the campus and important college personnel. Plus, they have developed good study habits and time management skills.
Summer Bridge is a federally funded program through SSS. For more information and an application, contact Ms. Gholston at (252) 536-7229 or gholstons@halifaxcc.edu.

From the President's Perspective, I want to encourage everyone who will be enrolling in college for the fall semester to consider attending this program. It is so worthwhile and can greatly serve to help its participants in bridging the gap from one educational setting to another. It will also give you the opportunity to understand the academic rigor and personal maturity needed to be successful in your college career. I encourage students and parents to call Ms. Gholston to check out this wonderful program provided by HCC.

Feel free to send me an email message at president@halifaxcc.edu with your thoughts or ideas. Also, to learn about our current or new programs—stop by campus, call us at (252) 536-HCC1 (4221), or visit us online at www.halifaxcc.edu.