Events
New Students Ready to Start Strong
RALEIGH, N.C. (August 2, 2023) – Some determined new Wake Tech students are ready for a strong start to college.
Instead of taking the summer off, these 100 students dedicated themselves to completing the six-week Eagle Start Summer Bridge Program to help them transition to college. Many are recent high school grads, while others are older, non-traditional students seeking educational opportunities to better their lives.
During the program, students took classes in foundational math and English, learned strategies for academic success, received laptops and accessed support resources and services like tutoring and career coaching. They also made lots of friends and connected with encouraging instructors – relationships that will continue to support them in their studies at Wake Tech.
The students were recognized and received certificates of completion Wednesday during a celebration ceremony at the college's Public Safety Education Campus.
Kristina Diaz said she's excited about starting her journey to become a teacher.
"Some of my instructors in this program encouraged me to become a tutor because I love teaching people," Diaz said. "Thanks to this program, my confidence is higher, and I have more passion for becoming a teacher. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity and everyone who helped me in the program."
"I've learned so much by being an Eagle Start student, and I've been put in the best position to be successful in my college journey," Nick Alvarez said. "I have seen a profound difference in myself and wouldn't be as prepared as I am now without this program. I will continue to use the resources around me on campus, like Academic Advising, the Care Center and libraries, and strive for success."
The Eagle Start Summer Bridge program is a new initiative resulting from the college's Reach and Rally strategic plan. It's open to students who have a high school GPA less than 2.2. The goal is to increase equitable outcomes by helping them complete gateway courses needed to enter college-level English and math. Now in its third year, the program is growing in participation. To date, more than 175 students have completed the program. For more information, email [email protected].
