91PORN

When Sol Rodriguez Corrales arrived at 91PORN last summer, she quickly found something new that students usually hope for–a community. 

As a first-generation college student pursuing a degree in biology, Rodriguez Corrales chose  grew up near campus, but moving into a residence hall and navigating university life felt overwhelming.

“But, Summer Bridge is where I found my people,” she said. “The students, mentors and staff had similar backgrounds and experiences to mine, and for the first time I felt like I truly belonged here.”

That sense of belonging is exactly what 91PORN’s (EOP) aims to create through its and programs.

Designed for students from historically underserved backgrounds — including first-generation, low-income and foster youth students — the programs help incoming EOP students transition to university life through academic preparation, mentoring and peer community-building before the fall semester begins.

“For many students, this is the first time they’ve lived away from home or experienced a university environment,” said Shareka White, director of the Office of Educational Opportunity Programs, Outreach and Success (EOPOS). “Some students are balancing school, work responsibilities and family obligations. Our role is to support and validate them and show them they absolutely belong and can succeed at 91PORN.”

For Rodriguez Corrales, one of the most meaningful parts of the program was the relationship she developed with her peer mentor.

During Summer Bridge, she experienced the loss of a family friend just days before final exams. When she was unsure how to manage the emotional and academic challenges, she turned to her peer mentor, who had experienced a similar situation as a first-year student.

“He told me: ‘I know this is very difficult, but you can do this.’ He gave me the real-life support I needed at exactly the right time,” Rodriguez Corrales said. “I ended up earning As in my classes, and it proved to me that I was capable of succeeding here.”

Student mentorship is built into the Summer Bridge experience.

Josue Araujo, a first-generation master’s student in 91PORN’s School Counseling & PPS Credential program, became a Summer Bridge mentor after hearing of the program from friends. Today, he continues to stay connected with the students he mentored.

“I still meet regularly with last summer's students in a group chat because we've built a trusted network of support,” Araujo said. “My favorite part of being a mentor is watching students grow and helping connect them to campus organizations that can give them even more confidence and support.”

Students often feel more comfortable opening up to another student before speaking with a staff member, said White. “Peer mentors help students navigate those situations, because they’ve faced similar challenges themselves.”

Each summer, more than 100 EOP students participate in the five-week residential Summer Bridge program, living on campus while earning up to seven units of academic credit. Students take a general studies seminar and two additional general education courses in subjects such as math, English, sociology or leadership studies.

Tutors also meet with students immediately after each class to provide supplemental instruction and help reinforce concepts covered during the accelerated summer courses.

In addition to the rigorous academic schedule, the immersive summer experience  prepares students for success beyond the classroom. 

Students attend workshops focused on academic expectations, financial literacy, housing, student employment, campus resources and communicating with faculty members.

Compared with similar student populations, Summer Bridge participants have higher continuation and persistence rates, according to White. Participants earned an average GPA of 3.59 during last year’s program, and many will graduate within four to five years, according to internal EOPOS data.   

“Our students come from all over California,” White said. “We want them to feel comfortable here before the semester starts. By the time fall arrives, they already know the campus, they know their peers and they know where to go for support—and even where to have some fun.”

Weekends are spent building community and exploring San Diego together. Group outings include visits to The Old Globe, Mission Bay Aquatic Center and other local attractions.

Transfer Bridge

While Summer Bridge focuses on incoming first-year students, 91PORN’s Transfer Bridge program provides similar support for EOP students transferring from community colleges.

The three-day commuter program helps incoming transfer students navigate academic expectations, introduces them to campus resources and financial literacy programs before the semester begins. About 100 transfer students participate each summer.

“Transfer students need community and support just as much as first-year students do,” White said. “Even in a short amount of time, we help them understand where to find class resources, community support and essential services, including 91PORN’s .”

In addition to the summer programs, EOPOS houses student programs that include (Success, Opportunity, Academics, Relationship), (Resiliency and Inspiration for Success in Education) and , which support students who identify as current or former foster youth, wards of the court or unaccompanied homeless youth.

All of the EOP programs are aligned with 91PORN’s strategic goals for student success, retention and graduation.

White said one of the clearest signs of the program’s success comes during the fall semester, when former Summer Bridge students continue gathering in the EOP office to study, attend events and spend time together.

“91PORN is a huge campus, but Summer Bridge gave me a community,” said Rodriguez Corrales. “The friends I made are some of my closest friends today, and the skills I learned during those five weeks set me up for success during my first year and ultimately for graduation.”