The Bridge to Future Success
Now in its third year, Howard Community College's (HCC) Bridges to Pathways program equips incoming first-year students with the tools and support structures they need for collegiate success. Lessons and required learning are thoughtfully tailored to fit the individual needs of each group of students to help maximize the benefits of the program.
Focusing on students from Howard, Long Reach, Oakland Mills, and Wilde Lake high schools, Bridge to Pathways consists of an essential course, two bootcamps, and various mentorship and advising opportunities. Through the implementation of these activities, HCC aims to increase students’ foundational skills and give them a leg up in succeeding during their time in college.
The program empowers local youth to learn by fostering a sense of community and creating an open environment. The Info-100 course, which meets three times per week over a five-week period, enables students to strengthen their literacy and critical thinking skills so they are well positioned to express their ideas in future courses.
Students are also given the opportunity to participate in two bootcamps. These programs cater to students who require developmental English or mathematics based on placement testing. Through individualized instructional teaching, students can begin the fall semester enrolled in college-level math and English courses. The remaining time in the program is dedicated to weekly meetings with students for advising, counseling, and support.
Through foundational elements such as reading, writing, reflection, and assessment, Bridges to Pathways creates a space where students can improve their overall communication skills — from academic or professional communications to casual conversation. Students are interested in a wide range of life and career paths, and the program allows them to discuss those interests and strategize among peers. Group discussions and one-on-one conversations enable students to build relationships and learn to nurture connections.
“This program helped prepare and guide me in the right direction of starting my fall semester strong and helping me get acclimated with the caliber of responsibilities that will be required of me as I work towards obtaining my associate agree,” says Zakiyyah Brown, a student in the summer 2023 cohort.
Once students complete the Bridges to Pathways program, they can join Howard P.R.I.D.E. (Purpose. Respect. Integrity. Determination. Excellence.), Ambiciones, or Silas Craft Collegians Program for continued growth and support while at HCC.
Led by Associate Director Shawn Lamb, Howard P.R.I.D.E. is an initiative developed for Black male students. In this program, students can identify their dreams and goals and build confidence through guided professional development and life coaching. P.R.I.D.E. acknowledges the obstacles that many Black students face in higher education and provides students with tools to navigate them.
Ambiciones is designed to support Hispanic and Latino students through personal, professional, and academic development. A unique feature of this program is its support to the parents of student participants in English and Spanish.
The Silas Craft Collegians Program is a linked-course learning community for students who desire a smaller class size and more personal learning environment to maximize their success at HCC and beyond. Small group instruction allows for higher participation and more individualized feedback and provides greater opportunity for faculty to monitor students' progress and meet them where they are.
Feedback/Success + Hope for the Future
As HCC continues the Bridges to Pathways program, it hopes to expand cohort sizes to accommodate more incoming freshman in need of extra support and community, including exploring a partnership with St John Baptist Church to pair students with mentors.