This summer, Oglethorpe University welcomed a new cohort of students into its Paul Hackett Summer Bridge Program, a weeklong experience designed to help students transition into college life and take the first steps of their Oglethorpe journey.
The program invited a small group of incoming students to campus one week before classes began, giving them the opportunity to learn about college resources, participate in academic success workshops, and build lasting connections with faculty, staff and peers.
Throughout the week, students explored many of the resources available to help them thrive at Oglethorpe. Participants met with staff from the Oglethorpe University Writing Center, Career Development, IT and Student Success, learning how to make the most of the university’s support systems from the first day of class.
Students also took part in a “Classroom Kick-Off,” where faculty members shared expectations for college coursework and offered practical advice for navigating the academic challenges and opportunities ahead. Through conversations with professors, students gained insight into how to succeed in the classroom while building confidence before the semester began.
The program also encouraged students to reflect on their goals, identities and aspirations as they prepared for this new chapter in their lives. Workshops and group activities helped participants connect with one another while developing a deeper understanding of their strengths, values and ambitions.
Throughout the week, students were guided by Cohort Success Coaches, current Oglethorpe students who shared their experiences, answered questions and helped participants navigate the transition to college life. The relationships formed with these peer mentors gave students a familiar face on campus and a trusted connection they can continue to rely on as the academic year begins.
“The Summer Bridge Program is an incredibly rewarding week,” says Raquel Manzo, assistant director of first-generation and student support programs. “The best part is to watch the lasting friendships that are made and the enduring sense of belonging that gets built.”
Service and community engagement also remained a central part of the Summer Bridge experience. Students partnered with several Atlanta-area organizations, including Blue Heron Nature Preserve, The Salvation Army, Welcome Co-op and LaAmistad. Through hands-on service projects, participants worked together to support local communities by helping maintain trails and green spaces, sorting donated clothing and supplies, cleaning facilities and assisting nonprofit organizations with a variety of operational needs.
These experiences introduced students to the broader Atlanta community while strengthening relationships among their peers. Working side by side in service projects gave participants opportunities to collaborate, problem solve and develop meaningful connections beyond the classroom.
“Many of my upperclassmen said that their connections and support system came from getting involved with clubs and organizations,” says Camila Gomez Cardona ’30. “It prepared me for my journey ahead because I feel more encouraged and less scared to make connections at the school!”
“I believe the most valuable things I gained during Summer Bridge were connections not only to my peers but also to the different resources on campus, as well as the opportunity to familiarize myself with campus before classes started,” says Spencer Reed ’30. “This has helped my preparation for the academic year by letting me talk to older students who have tips on how to succeed in classes but also gave me extra time to think about and plan this upcoming year.”
As participants begin their first semester at Oglethorpe, they do so with a stronger understanding of campus resources, meaningful relationships with fellow students and faculty, and a foundation for success that will support them throughout their college experience.
