Starting college can be overwhelming. As the University of Houston-Downtown welcomes the Class of 2030 to campus, many incoming freshmen are navigating unfamiliar classrooms, building new relationships, and adapting to the expectations of higher education while beginning to shape their academic and career goals. For students participating in the Summer Bridge Program, that transition begins before the fall semester starts, giving them an early opportunity to build confidence, connections, and academic momentum.
Over the course of six weeks this summer, incoming freshmen worked alongside peer mentors, supplemental instructors, and faculty members who helped them build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to succeed at UHD.
Pearland High School graduate Peyton Lofton experienced firsthand how the Bridge program facilitates a mindset change: “In high school, I was nervous about asking questions, and so I would miss things. But getting here, it was just like a switch: I'm not afraid to ask questions. I'm not afraid to approach someone or anything. I'm excited to connect with my professors and learn a lot with this new mentality I have.” Lofton’s experience was shared by classmates.
Cypress Woods High School graduate Texas Feeney has seen similar growth, finding the people around him to be on the same page in terms of ambition. “Talking to people about what their majors are, what they're interested in is much more fun. People are much more into their classes because they get to choose them,” he said.
Beyond the classroom, both students built friendships with the upperclassmen who served as supplemental instructors. Those relationships helped make the university feel more accessible and reinforced the sense of community the program is designed to foster.
The program also benefits the student leaders who serve as peer mentors, tutors, and supplemental instructors. Dr. Janina Arrington, Assistant Vice President of Student Success, noted that these roles provide valuable professional experience while helping incoming students navigate their transition to college. This year featured the largest cohort of student workers involved in Summer Bridge, including the addition of tutors who provided extra academic support. Program coordinator Milah Malveaux and the student leaders she supervised were integral to the program's success.
Other changes to this year’s program included weekly progress reports with each student, visits from Interim President Deborah E. Bordelon and several deans, and an etiquette luncheon facilitated by Center for Career and Professional Development Executive Director Brett Hobby and Assistant Director Zoe Smith.
While Summer Bridge has formally ended, its impact continues throughout the academic year. Participants will be invited to a mid-semester check-in and a reunion, where they can reconnect with faculty, peer mentors, and students from previous cohorts.
For Arrington, the program's success becomes most visible after students complete it. Not only has she witnessed participants start the school year with confidence, she has numbers to back up the success of the program: Approximately 90% of the 2025 cohort are still enrolled at UHD and thriving academically. “I hope that students from past cohorts will continue to add value and come back and speak with future students,” she said.
For the students who participate, whether they're arriving on campus for the first time or returning to mentor the next class, the Summer Bridge Program offers more than an introduction to college. It provides a foundation of confidence, connection, and support, creating a community that continues long after the summer ends.