Starting college can be overwhelming, but for a group of incoming Gators, UHD’s Get Ready Gators Summer Bridge Program is easing the transition. Designed to support academic success, build confidence, and foster community, the program is part of the university’s broader effort to champion first-year success from the outset.
Dr. Janina Arrington, Assistant Vice President for Student Success, acknowledges that this is no small task. “It takes a village to ensure the success of our students.”
Launched to help new students adjust to college-level coursework and campus life, the Bridge Program offers a multi-week experience that prepares them holistically for their collegiate career at UHD. Looking beyond academic readiness, from building social capital and identifying career paths to physical and mental well-being, the program helps them bridge the gap between high school and what lies ahead in the fall.
More than five years after the onset of the pandemic, Arrington recognizes that many students are still navigating emotional and social challenges. “Sometimes it's just a student thinking, ‘I am overwhelmed or anxious,’ and we are here to help them navigate the terrain of this collegiate landscape.” The program introduces students to licensed counseling resources, allowing them to explore what they’re feeling and develop coping strategies.
Asked to describe what students can expect from the program, she doesn’t hesitate: “Fun. Interaction. Community.”
This year, the Bridge Program will add a new element: Community engagement. In collaboration with the Impact Learning Office, headed by Dr. Poonam Gulati, cohort students will now participate in a day of service, further reflecting UHD’s commitment to being community and global citizens. “I like to ensure that students have the academic resources, but also the component of giving back,” said Arrington.
As a first-generation college graduate herself, Arrington is personally invested in the experiences of incoming students. “I always think about how my college experience would have been shaped differently if I had had these resources available to me. And if they were—it was a case of, ‘What you don’t know, you don’t know.’”
Each cohort leaves a lasting mark on her team. “This is our job—to create community with incoming students and remind them that we are here as a resource for them as they persist toward graduation.” From advising and student life to enrollment and academic support, the program thrives thanks to cross-functional collaboration across UHD.
Looking ahead, the Bridge Program is set to expand thanks to the Powell Foundation Grant awarded to UHD in 2025. Beginning in 2026, UHD will partner directly with Aldine Independent School District to introduce two tracks: a Junior Experience and a Senior Experience. The initiative will engage high school students earlier in their academic journey, helping them explore college pathways, connect with UHD resources, and begin building the confidence and community central to the Bridge experience.
“Our goal is to strengthen college access and readiness by building intentional, sustained connections between high school and higher education,” Arrington explains.
With each new cohort, the Bridge Program continues to evolve and transform. “The landscape of higher education is always evolving. It’s vital that we stay in tune with what’s happening and what students need.” This future-focused approach is shaping how UHD supports its incoming Gators now and in the years to come.