"EXCEPTIONS OF THE EXCEPTIONS": SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAMS, WOMEN OF COLOR, AND THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The purpose of this small-scale study is to explore how women of color perceive that their participation in Summer Bridge programs helped them adjust to collegiate life at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). While recent studies have focused on challenges women of color encounter at PWIs, the literature on college integration is missing female students' voices. This study seeks to contribute to this line of research by exploring how women of color adapt to their new academic and social environment, and provide recommendations for the improved academic and social integration of women of color. There were two major themes that emerged in my findings that they perceived contributed to their integration at the institution: structure of the summer bridge program, and institutional fit.