Bridge Through College: New Peer Leaders, New Campuses, New Year
This fall, our newest CBI alumni–the Class of 2022–are beginning a new chapter in their postsecondary lives and for many, that means the start of their college journey. Though an exciting and transformative time, we also know that the transition from high school to college life can be difficult to navigate–especially for first-generation college students who are blazing the trail for future generations. This is where Bridge Through College comes in.
What is Bridge Through College?
Making sure our students take the necessary steps to college enrollment is a critical piece of our college access work in the summer between high school and college–and once their college journey is underway, Bridge Through College focuses on helping students through all the milestones of their first year at college, increasing the likelihood they will persist through college and earn their degree.
Bridge Through College leverages a peer-to-peer model by enlisting CBI alumni who are third or fourth-year college students as peer leaders. Together with our Alumni Engagement team, peer leaders provide tailored support, outreach, and resources to first-year CBI alumni that help them settle into campus and college life. In addition to ensuring students get to know their way around college, they also promote and encourage a strong on-campus community with organized activities and events.
With generous support from The Hecksher Foundation for Children and Robinhood Foundation, we piloted Bridge Through College in the 2021-22 school year at Hunter College and Borough of Manhattan Community College. Nearly 100 first-year CBI alumni enrolled in the program and in the 2022-23 school year, we aim to support 400+ students across eight CUNY campuses.
In our second year of Bridge Through College, we are expanding the program and will be serving first-year CBI alumni attending these CUNY schools:
- Bronx Community College
- Borough of Manhattan Community College
- Hunter College
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- LaGuardia Community College
- Lehman College
- Stella and Charles Guttman Community College
- The City College of New York
Meet the 2022-23 Peer Leaders
Our pioneer peer leaders, Ashley A. and Janna C., who are now both college seniors at Lehman College and Hunter College, respectively, will return in their roles and are excited to continue their work
“The pandemic was rough on first-generation students in a number of ways. I know all too well how little resources my students felt they had when they first started college until they were able to receive support from Bridge Through College,” says Janna.
“I’ve been working to create a sense of belonging on campus as many students expressed a sense of loneliness during the pandemic. This year, I’m hosting many more events, picnics, in-person one-on-one talks and group sessions to help my students feel welcome on campus!”
Ashley agrees and is also looking forward to strengthening connections on campus. “Being a peer leader has taught me the importance of having guidance and a network to connect with. It makes me think about when I was a freshman–I didn’t take advantage of the resources that were available to me since I didn’t have someone to guide me. Now, with my students, I give them resources available to them in school and outside of school.”
Through College and start helping first-year students navigate college life. Cheyann B. a junior studying linguistics at Queens College, says she was interested in this role so she could act as a mentor to younger students and guide them through the college process. “What excites me most is being able to see my students in-person and plan events for them!” Cheyann says.
Franklin M., a junior studying computer science at Lehman College, looks forward to making an impact and furthering this work. “Something that excites me about Bridge Through College and my role is our goal of supporting students to persist through college; we want our students to be aware of all the resources and opportunities that are available to them to achieve their goals.” says Franklin.
Prior to beginning their work, the peer leaders receive extensive training from College Access Research Allies (CARA) where they learn how to support students through critical retention tasks, help them to develop campus navigation skills, and ensure that they integrate into their campus community.
They also receive close guidance and support from Manager of Alumni Engagement, Gabrielle Lloyd, who has worked in student advisement and higher education for nearly a decade. With the first year of Bridge Through College under our belt, Gabrielle has ideas for how to keep building upon learnings discovered during the pilot. “During our pilot year we were learning about our students and their needs in real time. This put us in more of a reactionary position. This year, we not only understand what sort of issues they are facing, but when these issues start to occur. We are able to plan out workshops and events months in advance and become proactive about sharing resources and solutions to potential problems.”
Like the peer leaders, she is also excited about fostering connection and community among Bridge Through College participants and the wider CBI alumni network. “I am really looking forward to helping the students build connections not only with their college classmates but their fellow CBI alumni. We already hosted an in-person Meet and Greet for students to meet their peers and to get to know one another. We want students to understand that they will always be a part of the CBI family and these events do a great job of bridging the transition from high school to college.”
How To Join Bridge Through College
Bridge Through College is still accepting applications to join the program for the 2022-23 school year. If you are or know any first-year CBI alumni attending a CUNY school mentioned above, take a minute to fill out the application form. Be sure to follow us on Instagram to see updates from the program and hear from our peer leaders and participants as they embark on the Bridge Through College!
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