SANFORD - The Central Carolina Community College Summer Bridge program is under way.

Summer Bridge eases the transition for new university transfer students at CCCC and help them tap into resources that will help them succeed in the classroom.

Kevin Pearson, who directs Summer Bridge, says the idea is to get new students comfortable on campus even before they begin classes. It also teaches what he calls "soft skills" -- expertise students need to manage their time and schedules, think critically, solve problems, and even communicate effectively with college faculty.

Students can earn up to four credit hours through Summer Bridge. First, ACA 122 (College Transfer Success) helps students develop clear academic and professional goals for beyond the community college experience. Second, COM 231 (Public Speaking) prepares students for the delivery of speeches in the public setting and in-group discussions. Both courses are transferrable under the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement. In addition, Summer Bridge has partnered with the TRiO Upward Board program to provide supplemental academic support as well.

"A lot of colleges offer some kind of first-year experience or freshman seminar course, and this is what we're doing at CCCC," Pearson says. "We're combining general academic skills with information specific to our college that students can use from the very beginning."

Pearson believes experiences like Summer Bridge are essential for success. He cites studies showing that the transition from high school to college can be overwhelming, and when students can't handle it, they struggle during their first semester -- or even drop out altogether.

Pearson views Summer Bridge as a prime opportunity for students to get a head start on their college educations. And even their careers, since those all-important "soft skills" have a significant impact on job interviews and success in the workplace.

"I can look back and say that if I had something like this, I would've been much more successful with my first semester and, really, with my entire first year," he says. "It's a great opportunity for students and a real help to them being successful in the future."

Students who may be interested in Summer Bridge 2019 can contact CCCC College Success Coordinator/Advisor Kevin Pearson at 919-718-7386 or by email at kpearson@cccc.edu.

To learn more about Central Carolina Community College, visit the website www.cccc.edu.