Bridges to the STARS

Nancy Tufo, Coordinator

North Shore Community College, Lynn Campus

LW121

781-593-6722 x6680

Program Overview:

            Bridges to the STARS is a freshman transition program for women and minorities interested in science, math, or technology. The program offers a supportive environment catering to a small group of students. As part of the program, participants receive academic, career, and personal growth counseling, extensive career exploration, a comprehensive learning experience, and a foundation for a technical degree or transfer into a four-year college or university.

            Bridges to the STARS serves women or minority students who are:

1.      First-generation college students

2.      Students with financial need

3.      Students with disabilities*

Each year, up to twenty students are accepted into the program . In the fall, students take a College Success Seminar and Math classes appropriate to their placement. Small study groups are formed which are led by experienced tutors. Participants receive one on one career-path and academic advising. In the spring, participants take a Technical Awareness and Career Exploration course. As part of the course, students visit science and technical career labs and hear from guest speakers. By the end of the year, students are expected to have decided on a major and career path.   

Best Practices:

            -The small study groups add a system of additional support for the participants of Bridges to the STARS.

            -The career exploration component of the program helps th students make a well thought out decision about their career path.

Areas of college access it addresses:

Academic Readiness—the College Success Seminar and Technical Awareness and Career Exploration courses, along with the small group study sessions, and tutoring opportunities, help prepare participants for academic and career success in the areas of science, math, and technology.

            Social Readiness—The structure of working within a community learning environment offers students a system of support to help encourage college success.

*Language taken from Bridges to the STARS marketing materials reflecting the guidelines of  McNair College Success Progams.