Boosting college knowledge

EOU file photo / Students participating in Summer Bridge will attend academic workshops and have the opportunity to try a new activity, like stand-up paddle boarding at Morgan Lake.

Boosting college knowledge with Summer Bridge

LA GRANDE, Ore. September 7, 2016 – A new cohort of undergrads participating in the TRiO Student Support Services program at Eastern Oregon University are arriving on campus for Summer Bridge September 16-21.

Intended to boost their college knowledge, Summer Bridge provides students with academic preparation and relationship building in advance of the start of fall term September 26. Activities will merge with EOU’s Week of Welcome starting September 21, when other new students arrive.

“We’ll have workshops and activities designed to support their transition to a four-year university,” explained Naomi Tuinstra, TRiO advising specialist at EOU.

Workshops on college writing, finances, identity, diversity and more will be interspersed with outings designed to immerse students in the community and provide opportunities to try something new ­– like archery or painting, even stand-up paddle boarding at Morgan Lake.

TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) is a college retention program funded through a federal grant to increase the success rates of underrepresented students at EOU.

“Many of the students we serve are the first in their family to attend college, and they are highly motivated to be the first to graduate. We’re here to help them achieve that goal,” Tuinstra said.

While Summer Bridge serves as an introduction to college, TRiO students continue to receive resources and support from their first day at EOU until graduation. All students who believe they may benefit from the program are encouraged to submit an application. There is no cost to apply or participate.

To learn more about Summer Bridge, reach Tuinstra at 541-962-3077. For more information on all of the student support services available, visit www.eou.edu/trio.