Five years of Summer Bridge program jumpstarts over 1,000 college careers

In 2020, in the wake of the pandemic, many students put off their college plans when faced with an uncertain future. In response, Seminole State College of Florida created the Summer Bridge program to help ease some of the student’s anxieties and get them started in their college career. The program used financial aid and institutional funds to make sure the students had no out-of-pocket costs to take two courses during the Summer B Session. 

Now, five years after its creation, the Summer Bridge program has been used by more than 1,300 students to jumpstart their college career. From just 37 students in its first year, more than 1,000 interest forms were submitted in 2024 resulting in 410 students. Over the past five years, 90% of the Summer Bridge students continued their education and re-enrolled for the fall semester. The program was developed in partnership with Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) and 90.4% of Summer Bridge participants were SCPS graduates.  

“No matter if your student is looking to complete a bachelor's degree with us, use DirectConnect to UCF® or explore a different option, the Summer Bridge program is a great way to get started,” said Interim Director of Admissions and Recruiting Jennifer Buchhorn. “For students who feel anxious about starting college, the program offers an opportunity to try it out and discover that they are capable of succeeding with the support of staff and faculty.” 

Students find their Bridge to Success 

George Nabors 

George Nabors started high school at Winter Springs High School before starting to work two jobs and switching to Seminole County Virtual School. His advisor put him onto the Summer Bridge and First Generation programs at Seminole State saying there was "no reason for you not to do it."

"Summer Bridge is a really good program for people who don't have the support or the background college experience," Nabors said. "Something Seminole State is really good about and is rubbing off on me is student outreach. Sharing info and getting the network out to help open more doors to future careers and courses you want to take. I've become strong enough in myself to start giving back to my community, and I have Seminole State to thank for that."  

Now, Nabors is a certified nursing assistant, working a job with more flexibility as he finishes his prerequisites at Seminole State in hopes of enrolling in the College's nursing program. "I wanted something with grit and challenges me every day where I can build relationships," Nabor said. Ultimately, his goal is to go to dental school and become an oral surgeon and maxillofacial surgeon.  

Saysia Berding

Saysia Berding admits she didn’t find her passion until her senior year of high school. “I came to Seminole State thinking everything is over – how am I going to be in politics with an imperfect GPA in high school?” However, during the Summer Bridge orientation day, students were able to meet with programs across the College. Berding joined the Grindle Honors Institute and realized her dreams were closer than she expected. “What started my journey was really the Summer Bridge program. That orientation day when I picked classes, all the advisors and people at the tables were so great. I felt really at home here.”  

During her time at the College, she committed to learning all she could about her field and ultimately became the legislative intern for the College, giving her a behind–the-scenes look at educational law, policy and how the Florida legislative system functions. Berding even got the chance to accompany Honors Director Tracy Harbin and Vice President of Public Policy and General Counsel Paul Carland to Tallahassee where she met with representatives and provided student insight.   

Her current plans are to transfer to a four-year university and pursue her passion for law and politics. “Now I have hands-on experience that gives me a large upper hand at whatever school I go to next,” said Berding. “I’m so happy I’ve come here, and everything I’ve chased after has yielded wonderful rewards.”

Chelsea Oliva

Chelsea Oliva found the Summer Bridge program through attending Decision Day at the College, when SCPS seniors get come to the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus for themselves. "It was free which was the most intriguing part," said Oliva. She'd applied to four-year institutions and been accepted but opted to attend Seminole State. "I wanted to save money and stay close to home to be honest."  

Oliva benefited from the Summer Bridge program, easing the transition from high school to college and ultimately into a full college schedule. "It prepared me for fall, getting me used to the length of classes, the workload and getting me used to the campus for when I took four classes in the fall." She said. She joined the honors institute, the First Generation Program and made a point to seek out resources to help her, including taking advantage of the Academic Success Center. "I go there at least every Tuesday and Thursday after my classes to study independently." Oliva said. "They have mock biology labs, and that is a major reason I did so well on the exam."  

She plans to use the Career Center to find internships in her areas of interest. For her future career, Oliva said. "I either want to be a forensics psychologist or an immigration attorney."  

Now in its sixth year, the Summer Bridge program is underway this summer, with over 300 2025 high school graduates getting a head start in college. It represents another milestone in Seminole State’s effort to increase access to postsecondary education and prepare students for college and career success.