The Summer Bridge program had students participate in activities based on their interests and future major studies in humanities, business, STEM, health care, or social and behavioral sciences. However, all of it focused around a central theme: Sustaining the Beauty, Health, and Prosperity of Northwest Indiana: People and their Environment As part of the program, the students took a day-long trip to parts of Indiana Dunes National Park, with STEM students collecting water and soil samples to analyze them further, and the business students meeting with members of Save the Dunes and Dig the Dunes to later create a marketing plan for the park. Kristin Huysken, an associate dean and geology professor at IUN, said having the theme specific to Northwest Indiana was a way for the students to connect with the program and a way to give a sense of purpose to the participants.
"What motivates our students largely is a sense of giving back," she said Huysken further added she was impressed with the students and their willingness to take part in the program and get a good start to their college careers. According to Huysken, students who take part in the Summer Bridge program also have higher retention rates compared to the other IUN students. Kate Zientarski, a student peer mentor with the program, first learned about Summer Bridge two years ago as a tutor for the university's STEM Center.
She believes it gives a good opportunity for students to make new friends, understanding it's often difficult to make new connections on a commuter campus such as IUN. Zientarski said she enjoys being a mentor and being a safe person the students can speak with. "Being able to be a person who's like the designated best friend for a little bit of time kind of helps them, I think, get out of their little shell and ask questions they might not be comfortable asking a professor," Zientarski said.
Kayla Obernoltzer, an incoming first-year student, said through the Summer Bridge program, she has been able to meet two professors whose courses she'll be taking this fall. "It makes me feel a lot more secure in what I expect from my class," she said. "It helps me have a one-on-one with them ahead of time.
" Obernoltzer also noted the program has been a good first step in meeting other students, some who will be in the same classes as her, and connecting with them. "I did not know anyone coming into this and already about half of them we're already really good friends and already have been thinking about plans in the future," said Obernoltzer. Participants in the program are also eligible for a book scholarship and one college credit.
.
