by Maureen Ramirez, June guest blogger
As high school students all over Minnesota graduate, many of them are looking forward to a summer of transition; this is the time to say goodbye to high school and say hello to college. An innovative program at the University of Minnesota is helping students facilitate the transition — not just to campus, but into the University community.
This summer, 80 students at the University of Minnesota will be welcomed by the Bridge to Academic Excellence program.
While Bridge participation extends throughout the school year, the highlight is an intensive six-week residential and academic experience during the summer prior to the first year. During the summer session, Bridge students live on campus in University residence halls to build relationships with other students in their cohort. A strong academic foundation is established through seven credits of University courses.
In the past, Bridge students took science and statistics courses, but this year, two courses will provide students the opportunity to actively participate in the University community, not just be aware of services on campus.
In the Digital Storytelling class students will investigate modes and dimensions of computer-based storytelling, and examine media as tools for community organizing and development.
In the Citizenship, Leadership and the University class students will study leaders and how they solve public problems, but they will also develop a code of ethics and examine the ways they can contribute to the common good.
At the end of the summer, 40 students will be proficient in telling digital stories, and 40 students will know how to get involved and solve problems for the common good. I think Bridge has the right idea this year to bring students into the U with tools for telling their own story and getting involved for the common good.
Higher education is the perfect place for young, and not so young, learners to find their voices. In fact, this is precisely what colleges and universities do — they create a community of ethical, creative leaders who will meet challenges with new ideas.
I am excited by the prospect of so many new people entering college and learning to become leaders in our state. I only hope our state can keep our commitment to them and to the common good by investing in higher education.
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