Summer Anchors | Using Detroit’s Summer Programming to Advance Postsecondary Attainment

Published by: Dr. Ashley Terry

May 23, 2024

After high school graduation, what better way to occupy their time than diving headfirst into the world of postsecondary attainment through summer support college exposure programs? Forget lounging by the pool or binge-watching the latest TV series. Who needs a summer vacation when you can have a summer preparation extravaganza, ensuring you will hit the ground running come fall? Summer programs for Detroit high school seniors play a pivotal role in easing the transition to postsecondary education and ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. These programs offer academic enrichment, skill-building opportunities, and exposure to college-level coursework, which can significantly bolster a student's confidence and readiness for the rigors of higher education. In addition, they provide a structured environment where students can develop crucial soft skills such as time management, critical thinking, and effective communication, all of which are essential for success in college. Engaging in these programs allows high school seniors to explore potential fields of study, meet peers with similar aspirations, and often gain valuable insights from mentors and professionals. By bridging the gap between high school and college, summer programs ensure that students not only start their postsecondary journey on a strong footing but also cultivate a sense of preparedness and resilience that will be invaluable during their most crucial academic year. So, if anyone thinks summer support and exposure programs are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine... please…

Hear me out…

The Detroit College Access Network (DCAN), in partnership with the Detroit Regional Chamber, Detroit Drives Degrees, and Detroit Promise offers the Regional Summer Student Transition Engagement Program (STEP) to provide graduating seniors with comprehensive support as they prepare for postsecondary education. This program equips students with summer coaches who guide them through crucial areas such as enrollment, financial aid, housing, transportation, and food security. By addressing these key aspects, Regional STEP ensures that students remain engaged and well-prepared for their educational journeys. This holistic approach not only helps students navigate the complexities of transitioning to college but also fosters a sense of readiness and confidence, setting them up for success in their postsecondary endeavors. In 2023, the Summer STEP program assisted a bit more than 600 students regionally. This year, it is on track to support over 1,200 students.

Additionally, the quartet of partnered Detroit organizations offers another summer support program named Summer Navigating Education Transitions (NET). The Summer NET program offers students invaluable exposure to the college campuses they plan to attend in the upcoming fall semester. Summer NET's main goals are to help students become familiar with their new learning environments, understand where to find essential resources and support systems, and instill a sense of value and belonging within the postsecondary education system. While Summer NET has extended its on-campus exposure visits to 10 higher education partners and is set to expose over 500 students this year, in 2023, these programs collaborated with six colleges and universities to bring 123 admitted students to their campuses. Of those, 100 students enrolled, and an impressive 81% completed their first semester and continued into the winter semester. This proactive approach not only builds students' confidence and readiness for college-level work but also strengthens the commitment of educational institutions to student success, thereby improving retention rates through to commencement.

By participating in Summer NET, Detroit students gain a comprehensive preview of college life, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in their educational journeys. To learn more about these summer opportunities, please follow DCAN on social media outlets Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletter.

And remember…

"Summer programs are the bridge between dreaming and achieving." – Anonymous

Peace,

Ashley Terry, Ed.D.

Deputy Director, DCAN