The Lived Experiences of Students in a Summer Bridge Ninth Grade Transition Program: A Phenomenological Case Study

• Main Author: Randall, Ricardo
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2022
• Subjects: Academic Achievement; Behavior Problems; Educational Change; Educational Environment; Educational leadership; Grade 1; Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 9; High School Graduates; Literature Reviews; Middle School Students; Outcomes of Education; Parent Participation; Parent Role; Urban Schools
• ISBN: 9798371975966

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of students in one summer bridge program as they transitioned to high school. Every year, eighth grade middle school students go through the process of making the transition from middle school to high school. For many students, the transition to high school is the most difficult of all transitions. In order to assist students to successfully transition to high school, many school districts in our nation have implemented Middle School to High School Summer Bridge Programs to augment academic achievement and strengthen the essential skills needed for the preparation of attending high school. This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of incoming freshmen who participated in a summer bridge program. Findings show a summer bridge program can provide support of academic assistance, social connectivity, vision planning, and related resources needed with the transition to high school. More specifically, the strategies and interventions implemented of this program decreased the students’ fears and anxiety of transitioning to high school and provided a level of growth among different areas of concern that allowed them to be more prepared for the start of their high school journey and beyond.