Mississippi Valley State University held its annual Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation (LSMAMP) Summer Bridge Program this summer. The Program was held for four weeks and designed to help students transition from high school to college life and prepare them for academic rigor and life skills.
This year nine (9) participants were selected from Amanda Elzy and Leflore County High Schools. To participate in the Bridge Program, a student had to be a high school graduating senior with plans to major in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The Bridge Program is designed to prepare undergraduate underrepresented minority students who major in (STEM) to be effective and proficient in their respective STEM disciplines. The LSMAMP Summer Bridge Program is another component of the statewide Program designed for High School Seniors entering their first year of college. The Program is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, which aims to increase the number of minority students completing baccalaureate degrees in STEM.
Dr. Hattie Spencer (Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health) is the MVSU LSMAMP Site Coordinator.
She said the transition process could be challenging for some college-bound freshmen, especially with time management, discipline, and adjusting to campus life.
"The Program was a success because the students were eager to learn, and we had a dedicated staff of three faculty members who worked closely with the students to help prepare them for the transition. In addition, the faculty exposed the students to a rigorous curriculum that will put them ahead for the upcoming academic year."
In addition to the classroom instructions, the student also engaged in lab skills (Biology and Chemistry), student empowerment, Financial Aid, and University College informative sessions.
One of the highlights for the students was their visit to the President's office. He shared his college experience days and motivated them that they can be successful if they stay focused and work hard.
The Program concluded in July with an Awards Program that honored the students for their participation, overall improvement, and special awards that were given to those who excel in the subject areas of Math, Biology, and Chemistry.
The guest speaker for the special event was Kathy Brownlow from University College. She shared words of encouragement that motivated, inspired, and empowered the students.
MVSU is a part of the LSMSMP statewide Program that also includes the following colleges and universities:
Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, University of Southern Mississippi, Alcorn State University, Hinds Community College, and Tougaloo College.
For more information, contact Dr. Hattie Spencer at 662-254-3377 ext. 3391.
