TMCC Foundation 2017 Annual Report

C ontributions in Action Success First Summer Bridge Program A roadmap and guidebook for their educational journey is what many students say they have found in the Success First Summer Bridge Program at Truckee Meadows Community College. The Success First program goal is to increase the college readiness, persistence, retention and graduation rates of first-time, full-time, first generation students at TMCC. Participants rgain information about science technology, math and engineering, other growing career fields, and academic/motivational support during their first year at TMCC. “The Success First Program is an opportunity for students to connect with other students, build relationships with college faculty and learn about resources to help them be successful, all before the beginning of the fall semester,” said Yuliana Chavez Camarena, Program Director for Access, Outreach and Recruitment. In 2017, 126 Summer Bridge students participated in the closing ceremony. Many were earning their first six college credits. As graduate Maria Martinez Aguilera stated, “I saw it was a great opportunity to get my first college credits and get ahead of the game.” Stephanie Lerude, College and Career Advisor at Reno High School first recommended Success First Summer Bridge to Aguilera and her friend Laryssa Ikehara. Ikehara plans to work toward her civil engineering degree. “I wanted to get a feel for the college before starting full time,” Ikehara said. “You get to meet with the advisors and receive help throughout the year to make sure you stay on the right path, and there’s a scholarship ($800 for 2017-2018). Also, it helps you keep your focus.” Participants qualify for the summer program if they are first-time college students and the first generation in their family to attend college toward a degree. The TMCC Foundation provides support for the program for scholarships, tuition, bus passes and other expenses. In 2017, the Success First Summer Bridge programwas supported by NV Energy Foundation, the Susanne and Gloria Young Foundation, the Nell J. Redfield Foundation, Wells Fargo Foundation, U.S. Bank Foundation and faculty and staff of TMCC. Says Yuliana, “Students are provided services and support to help them be academically and personally successful. We are incredibly grateful to the generous donors who allow us to make this happen. Their donations improve the lives of many students who in turn make our community a better place.”