Around WakeTech
New Wake Tech Students Getting a Strong Start
RALEIGH, N.C. (June 20, 2022) – One hundred new Wake Tech students are launching a strong start to college this summer as participants in the Eagle Start Summer Bridge Program.
The six-week program helps students who might need some extra assistance transitioning to college and building a solid academic foundation in a supportive and structured environment.
Welcome sessions were held on the Scott Northern Wake and Southern Wake campuses. Students received laptops, book bags and workbooks for English and math classes. They also heard words of wisdom and advice from senior college leaders and former Eagle Start participants. Mikayla Herndon completed the program last summer and encouraged this year's students to soak in all they can.
"Eagle Start surpassed my expectations and really helped me get comfortable with coming to campus," she said. "I really did not know what to expect going from high school to college, but the program helped me understand resources, technology and expectations for turning in assignments."
Herndon, who is studying accounting, said the program gave her confidence to get involved beyond the classroom at Wake Tech and grow her leadership skills. She served as president of the college's National Association of Black Accountants student club this past year.
"It really propelled me forward and built my confidence for the upcoming school year," she said. "It also connected me to lots of new friends, and we've stayed connected beyond Eagle Start and continue to encourage and support each other."
The Summer Bridge program takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday through August 2. Students take classes in foundational math and English and attend workshops where they learn strategies for academic success. They have full access to Wake Tech resources and services, as well as tutoring and career coaching.
The Eagle Start Summer Bridge program is a new initiative resulting from the college's Reach & Rally strategic plan. The goal is to increase equitable outcomes by helping students complete gateway courses needed to enter college-level English and math. Now in its third year, the program is growing in participation. Last summer, about 70 students participated. For more information, email [email protected].
