For the past 13 years, the Pearl River Community College student support services has provided the summer bridge program to help students transition from high school to community college.

Lauren Baker, summer bridge program coordinator and academic success coach, said the program helps students who had a low score on their ACT. It also assists non-traditional students who have been out of a classroom setting for five or more years by providing them with the opportunity to increase their academic skills and better prepare for college.

Baker said the program is made possible through a grant funded by the U.S Department of Education and provides students with introductory classes in English and math along with community college survival skills.

In order to be approved for the program, students must meet one of three eligibility requirements, Baker said. They need to be a first generation college student, have a documented disability, or come from a low-income family, according to the college’s guideline.

The program is free but students will be required to purchase text books and be required to cover the cost of renting a dorm room should they decide to live on campus, Baker said.

The program will be held Monday through Thursday from July 2 until July 26. Applications for potential students are currently being accepted.

During the program, students will visit the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport, Baker said.

She said students enrolling in the program show better retention and have a higher success rate due to gaining a familiarity with instructors, having a better knowledge of resources on campus and by getting the opportunity to learn with a group of students.

For more about the program, contact Baker at 601-403-1043 or lbaker@prcc.edu