The transition from high school to college can feel abrupt — new environments, new expectations and new academic demands all arrive at once. For students entering engineering, science or mathematics majors, the rigor of college-level coursework can make that shift even sharper. The Swenson College Summer Bridge Program helps ease that transition by giving pre-calculus-ready students a chance to advance into calculus by fall.

Alex Thao, an incoming industrial engineering student, hopes the program will accelerate his academic path. “With the help of the program, I am hoping to be placed into calculus, which would help streamline my progress towards my degree,” he said.

The three-week program is free and open to all students admitted into the Swenson College of Science and Engineering (SCSE). Participants live in the residence halls, share meals in Superior Dining, and spend their days immersed in hands-on learning. Alongside math preparation, students take part in a chemistry lab where they practice using equipment and analyzing data, and a life-skills course covering topics like time management and mental health resources. Guest speakers from across campus offer insight into academic success, while student advisors lead group activities that help participants build connections.

Not every student joins for math placement. Cianna Valera, an incoming biology major who is already calculus-ready, enrolled to strengthen her science foundation and get an early feel for college life. “I wanted to come because it’s a head start to college,” she said. “And also that part of being away from family that I’ve relied on my whole life.” For her, sharing meals with peers in Superior Dining has become a highlight of the experience.

Some students return to the program in new roles. Lengxing Yang participated last summer and came back this year as a live‑in advisor. “What I found most impactful was the friends and people I met in the program,” he said. “It was so beneficial to me.” Yang now leads the students through community building activities at the end of each day.

“That just helps build a sense of community between all of us,” Thao said. “We all took part in the bridge program and we all know each other for the coming fall semester, and that makes us feel a lot more comfortable coming into our first year.”