This year’s Summer Bridge Program—which helps first-year students smoothly transition to college, and was generously funded by the Aronson Family Foundation—was an unmitigated success on all counts. Over 1,300 incoming first-year students signed up for the program (with 51 percent of the students identifying as Latinx) and 25 professors participated in the events. The program took place from August 16 through August 24, over seven days, with both asynchronous and synchronous options available to fit students’ busy schedules. “We knew we had to prepare students to navigate the fall semester on all modalities—in-person, hybrid, and online,” says Nancy Yang, Associate Director of First Year Programs. “The Summer Bridge Program helped students connect with their classmates, Peer Success Coaches, and First-Year Program staff. We introduced the students to in-person and online campus resources, and we kickstarted their exploration of justice in our ‘From Justice Talk to Justice Walk’ event series.” Students also had the opportunity to improve their technological skills on platforms such as Blackboard, Slack, and Zoom, with “gamified” digital activities and fun raffle prizes. In this “Summer Bridge Success” article series, we connected with students who attended the program to learn more about their first-year, summer-to-fall transition.
“The program made me feel very confident as a first-year student, and now I feel prepared for the next four years.” —Anthony Decina
Anthony Decina ’25, a Forensic Psychology major from West Harrison, New York, was excited to start his John Jay journey, and looked forward to making new friends and learning more about his major. But he was also nervous about acclimating to college life. “College is so different from high school. Before coming to John Jay and the Summer Bridge program, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to adjust to a college environment, the workload, and the schedule,” says Decina. “Thankfully, the Summer Bridge Program helped by connecting me to faculty and fellow students, and introducing me to programs and student resources available at the College. The program made me feel very confident as a first-year student, and now I feel prepared for the next four years. I’m looking forward to seeing what my time at John Jay has in store for me.” We connected with Decina to learn more about his Summer Bridge experience.
“What you learn during the Summer Bridge program will positively impact you. You’ll make connections before you even step into the classroom, and you’ll feel ready and prepared for the challenges ahead.” —Anthony Decina
What drew you to John Jay College?
When I found out there was a college specifically for criminal justice here in the city, I just couldn’t pass up on the opportunity. I love New York City and wanted to be at a college that was close to my hometown, my family, and my friends who are also commuting to college. John Jay is the perfect college for me.
How did you hear about the Summer Bridge program?
I heard about Summer Bridge through the John Jay First Year Programs. I was on the John Jay website going through virtual tours and learning how to navigate the campus, when I got an email alert from the First Year Programs about Summer Bridge. It’s a great program, especially if you’re worried about college. What you learn during the Summer Bridge program will positively impact you. You’ll make connections before you even step into the classroom, and you’ll feel ready and prepared for the challenges ahead.
“The Summer Bridge Program made me aware of all the resources available to students here at the College. From the Writing Center, to the John Jay Food Pantry, to the Library, these are all places that will definitely help me and other students throughout our time at John Jay.” —Anthony Decina
What key information did you learn from the Summer Bridge Program that you believe will benefit you this school year?
The Summer Bridge Program made me aware of all the resources available to students here at the College. From the Writing Center, to the John Jay Food Pantry, to the Library, these are all places that will definitely help me and other students throughout our time at John Jay. The College’s faculty and staff really go out of their way to assist students in their personal lives and academic careers.
Can you describe what it was like interacting with your peers and faculty before classes started?
The experience of meeting faculty and other students during Summer Bridge changed my whole perspective about John Jay. It made me see the College as a home away from home. Being able to go into breakout rooms with other students and professors, and listening to them speak about the College was really helpful. It made me even more excited to be here.
How do you think the Summer Bridge Program helped set you up for success here at John Jay?
The Summer Bridge Program set me up for success by making me feel more comfortable with this new academic experience and commuting to college. It showed me that John Jay would be welcoming and friendly to first-year students like myself. It allowed me to get used to the John Jay environment, meet students and professors, and feel truly welcomed before classes even started.
