Summer Bridge
“My experience as a participant in Auburn’s summer bridge program played an integral role in my success during my undergraduate career. I was prepared for the academic rigor of my science and math classes, and I received the social support I needed as I progressed towards graduation,” said Dr. Kristalyn Lee, associate vice president for administration and liaison to the Board of Trustees at the University of Montevallo and now Vice President at University of Alabama Huntsville. “Additionally, some of my most meaningful friendships were formed during my four weeks at bridge. These lasting relationships have been both personally and professionally beneficial, and fueled my desire to support my students as they pursue academic excellence,” she said.
Summer STEM Academy
Here is a quote from a Grade 10 participant from Hillcrest High School in Conecuh County: “The Black Belt STEM Academy was a great way to spend my summer. I feel like I am prepared for next year because of the Math, ELA, and STEM classes. The field trips also gave my classmates and me good exposure to future STEM careers. I have participated for three years, and I will continue to participate as long as the program exists.”
Representing her class, one of the 9th grade student participants said the following at the 2021 Summer STEM Academy closing ceremony:
“I want to thank the people of this program. It has given me a chance to recover from my exhausting freshman year. With the impact of the current pandemic, I was physically and mentally drained. My freshman year of high school, I was introduced to virtual learning. I wasn’t capable of retaining information, so I lost hope in myself and I wanted to give up. I started to develop depression and anxiety, and I didn’t know if I was ever going to be able to be myself again. Then, my principal sent an email about this amazing STEM summer program. I was nervous at first, but these wonderful teachers that I’ve gotten to know have made this experience absolutely incredible. I’ve learned more here than my entire freshman year. I was able to refresh my memory and get a better understanding of the topics that I had a hard time understanding in school. I am extremely grateful for this special opportunity as a whole. The teachers I’ve gotten to know are literal angels sent from heaven above. They have been patient, understanding, and caring throughout this entire process. They allowed us to laugh, have fun, and enjoy ourselves while getting work done and I needed that in my life. With them, I was able to enjoy school again. This program has given me both friends and mentors, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of this academy. To all the people that put this together, to all the amazing teachers who spent their gracious time with us. Thank you for everything. You’ve made my transition and journey to 10th grade run a lot smoother. I definitely hope to see you guys next year. THANK YOU!”