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Summer Success Program Pre-Collegiate Program e-Plugs Events Purpose First Contact

Summer Success Program

The SIUE Summer Success Program, which takes place the summer before students’ first Fall semester, is a five-week program open to a cohort of newly admitted first-year students who identify as a first-generation college student (the first in their family to attend college) and/or low-income and/or having a disability. The Summer Success Program is no cost to enrolled participants.

The Summer Success Program’s goal is to help students transition to college by exposing them to the following:

Academic Courses: Students will have the potential to earn up to six (6) credit hours, the opportunity to complete the SIUE health experience graduation requirement, network with professors and other SIUE faculty, as well as receive ongoing personal, academic and career advising after the completion of the Summer Success Program.
Campus Resources: The Summer Success Program will connect students to essential SIUE campus resources including financial aid, counseling and health services, the Career Development Center, ACCESS, and other essential campus resources. Students will meet one on one with a SSP staff member and participate in weekly workshops designed to help students be knowledgeable about which resources they will need to succeed at SIUE.
Social Development: Students will live on campus with their fellow students while taking part in a variety of social events, providing students with the opportunity to make valuable friendships and a community going into their first full semester. SSP will also provide students with opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, and civic engagement.

Program Objectives/Milestones

Through the SIUE Summer Success Program, students will utilize campus resources and develop skills necessary to thrive holistically and reach their goal of graduation. SIUE Summer Success Program students will:

Show a commitment to their education through engagement and involvement at the University such as student organizations, on-campus employment, and learning communities.
Enhance skills by utilizing the resources available through a variety of SIUE student support services and resources such as the Loveyjoy Library and Learning Support Services.
Develop a Summer Success Education Plan by meeting one on one with a staff member during the summer program, as well as meet one on one with program staff at least two times in the fall to discuss their Student Success Plan.
Seek continuous mentorship from faculty/staff and University programs that connect faculty/staff and students outside of the classroom and in other formal settings.
Meet with their SIUE e-Plugs throughout their entire first year of college.

Program Outcomes

SIUE Summer Success students will demonstrate:

Proficiency in navigating through university policies and procedures.
Successful completion and matriculation into their first full year at SIUE
Higher retention and graduation rates

The Summer Success Program fits within the SIUE mission and has the potential to impact the University goals and strategic plans in the areas of:

Increasing overall completion rates
Increasing completion rates in at-risk and disadvantaged populations

Past Program Participant Testimonials & Videos

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2023 Summer Success Program

Jay'len Alcin Hometown: Tampa Bay, FL Major: Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering “SSP has impacted me in many ways. For example, SSP has allowed me to get a head start in learning/being familiarized with the campus, meeting new people, and making new friends. Overall, SSP has made transitioning to SIUE feel natural."

Chloe Birchett Hometown: Troy, IL Major: Nursing “SSP opened my eyes to many challenges, however, it also taught me how to overcome them too. SSP was the best thing I decided to do with my summer.”

Barbi Butler Hometown: Carrolton, IL Major: Music Education “SSP has helped me find out who I was. Just being in this program made me feel happy and accepted for who I am.”

DorRazz Cooper Hometown: Granite City, IL Major: Finance & Marketing Minor: Pre-Law “SSP has given me so many lessons and opportunities to be able to be successful in the upcoming semester & years to come. The weekly Friday workshops are very informative, meeting new people helps transition from high school to college life, and bein

Jaidyn Sibaja Hometown: Boilingbrook, IL Major: Secondary Ed Spanish Minor: Dance “The Summer Success Program has benefited me greatly. Being a part of this program has helped me start to form good time management habits as well as great study/work habits."

Kadon Stone Hometown: Springfield, IL Major: Nursing Minor: Education Studies & Analysis Program Highlight: “Everyone here is very helpful and has shown me I have a strong support system.”

Brandon Underwood Hometown: Round Lake, IL Major: Computer Science “SSP impacted me through its social events and programs. I got to form a bond with other incoming freshman before having to acclimate myself to the fall semester."

McKenzee Brown Hometown: Belleville, IL Major: Criminal Justice and/or Pharmacy “This SSP has helped me get around campus. Also, I’ve learned how to manage my time & got around a lot.”

Michael Chavez Hometown: Crest Hill, IL Major: Nursing “SSP has helped me manage my time usage between school work and extracurricular activities. SSP also gave me the opportunity to meet new people.”

Gabby Collie Hometown: New Orleans, LA Major: Criminal Justice Minor: Psychology or Spanish “Throughout the summer success program I learned time management, getting used to a different environment, and getting general classes out of the way. I would recommend SSP for people who are not used to new environments.”

Kel Cruz Hometown: Glendale Heights, IL Major: Pre-Pharmacy “Participating in SSP has allowed me to fully and confidently immerse myself in the schedule of being a college student. Many of the concerns & uncertainties I had before starting at SIUE have been addressed and resolved, leaving me as a self-assured

Taylor Foote' Hometown: Collinsville, IL Major: Political Science “SSP has impacted me by familiarizing my surroundings a lot sooner and easier because it would have been way more difficult with everyone here. Also, giving me a realistic expectation as a college student."

Kyla Aria Gerhardt Hometown: Granite City, IL Major: Early Childhood Education and Musical Theory “SSP has impacted me in more than just one way, it has given me the opportunity to be more mature and responsible.”

TaKara Gilbert Hometown: Rockford, IL Major: Speech - Language Pathology “SSP has helped me discover unique opportunities, experiences, and relationships that will prepare me for the future.”

A portrait photo of SirNickolas Gilmore-Hardy

SirNickolas Gilmore-Hardy Hometown: East St. Louis, IL Major: Computer Engineering “SSP gave me an early taste at college life while never putting too much on my plate. I am thankful to have met and attended class with everyone this summer."

Ryan Happel Hometown: Sullivan, MO Major: Political Science “SSP helped me work through the issues I had managing my workload.”

Brenna Horton Hometown: Livingston, IL Major: Biological Sciences “SSP expanded my world to meet many different types of people. I am extremely grateful for such a diverse experience, especially because of the wonderful friends I have met through the program.”

Lydia Hulzebos Hometown: Honolulu, HI Major: Computer Science Minor: Foreign Language “During my time at SSP, I have been able to learn more about how college courses work and the best ways to maintain and manage myself in order to do the best work I can."

Milan James Hometown: Chicago, IL Major: Forensic Chemistry & Biochemistry “SSP helped me make connections and not get lost.”

Armonie Johnson Hometown: East St. Louis, IL Major: Nursing “The Summer Success Program game me the benefit of getting a head start on college. This program has expanded my social skills, giving me the ability to make new friends and interact effectively."

Mikayla McCormick Hometown: Medina, TN Major: Nursing Minor: Music “SSP gave me the opportunity to grow and understand what life as a college student is like without all the pressure of jumping in with no clue where to begin. I now feel confident in my ability to start classes in the fall and balance other outside r

Jalen Neal Hometown: Belleville, IL Major: Computer Science "The SSP gave me the opportunity to make meaningful connections with my peers. I have a better understanding of college life and plenty of resources for guidance."

Amyiah Pittman Hometown: Alton, IL Major: Political Science “I am extremely appreciative of the SSP program and the SSP staff members that made this program the best! I enjoyed my time in the Summer Success Program, while engaging with my peers and familiarizing myself with SIUE campus.”

Terrell Rey Hometown: Venice, IL Major: Business Administration - Finance “One way SP has impacted my transition to SIUE is by allowing me to learn the campus. It has also helped my social skills grow, helping me be open to making new friends.”

Shelby Rainey Hometown: Granite City, IL Major: Nursing “The Summer Success Program has benefited me for the better. The program has taught me many things however the one I feel was the most helpful was time management. With college time is always important and so SSP has done a good job at showing that t

Nickolas Richmond Hometown: Greenville, IL Major: Computer Science “Personally SSP has allowed me to meet and befriend more people than I would have done without SSP. Also, getting one of my required gen-eds out of the way didn't hurt.”

Zachary Tobias Hometown: Chicago, IL Major: Business Economics “Being a part of SSP ha prepared my transition to SIUE by learning how to manage my time, money, & study habits just with only two summer classes."

Hailey Torres Bolingbrook, IL Major: Nursing “Being a part of SSP allowed me to branch out meeting new people and professors. It helped me get a feel for how college life is and how I can be more prepared going into my semester. Thanks to SSP I feel ready and excited for the upcoming semester t

Vivian Tran Hometown: St. Louis, MO Major: Pre-Pharmacy “The Summer Success Program has not only allowed me to meet new people but it has also allowed me to earn credits and learn about various campus resources."

Savannah Webster Hometown: Lebanon, IL Major: Mass Communications : “SSP has been an amazing experience allowing me to make new friends, form connections with professors and also allowed me to develop a routine.”

2022 Summer Success Program

Jasmin Beltran Hometown: Hanover Park, IL Major: Pre-Pharmacy “During the Summer Success Program, I was able to get a head start on college. I have be able to build friendships and get connected with a mentor. This program has taught me how to be independent and money management skills."

Tyler Robertson Hometown: St. Louis, MO Major: Cyber Security “During the Summer Success Program, I learned how to manage my time & money better. I have also made wonderful connections with my peers and got to learn how college really is. I would recommend the SSP to other students because it taught me a lot!"

Izzy Castro Hometown: Hillsboro, IL Major: Psychology “What I found most beneficial while attending the Summer Success program was the ability to get a head start in our journey towards higher education which allowed for us to network early, discover campus, & create our academic portfolio."

Zayden Storm Hometown: Bethalto, IL Major: International Business “The Summer Success Program has brought me so many opportunities and one of my favorite things is the people within it . They have taught me hard work, the value of friendship, and ways to cope with a new environment. It helped me make new memories."

Juan Pizano Hometown: Kansas City, MO Major: Undecided "I'm glad I was able to get a head-start considering I am first-generation and out-of-state student. Because of the Summer Success Program I was able to meet new people whom I can consider my friends & fellow CODES students."

Nyah Williams Hometown: St. Louis, MO Major: Exercise Science “During the Summer Success Program, I had a lot of fun! What I found most beneficial while attending the program was not only earning credits academically, but also doing fun activities. Plus having adults in the program that are very helpful."

Marleigh Toenyes Hometown: Wood River, IL Major: Graphic Design & Media Production "The SSP helped me learn how college classes really will be, taught me valuable study habits & the importance of a school/personal life balance, & made me more comfortable to start school for real in the fall."

Kacianna Schmitt Hometown: Coffee, IL Major: Elementary Education “ The Summer Success Program has allowed me to make new friends. Within the program I really enjoyed my public speaking class with Josie and Millie, they made the class a super fun environment."

Jorden Johnson Hometown: St. Louis, MO Major: Nursing "Through the SSP I have interreacted and met so many new people. My favorite part of the program was living the dorm lifestyle and being on my own. Being on my own has forced me to use my time management skills, each day I am getting better."

Kyla Anderson Hometown: East St. Louis, IL Major: Psychology “During the Summer Success Program, I learned how to network! I also increased my communication skills and got to meet a ton of new people. The Summer Success Program gives you a great head start to college."

Micahya Banks Hometown: Johnston City, IL Major: Elementary Education “I would recommend the Summer Success Program to other students because it helps you understand how college is going to be like. Within the program you get to meet so many new people and make some really great friendships."

Irene Boone Hometown: St. Louis, MO Major: Accounting “The Summer Success Program has helped me get a head start going into college. It made the transition from high school to college so much easier. It has been great to be able to take earn credit for course before the start of school."

Breanna Chase Hometown: St. Louis, MO Major: Pre-Med “I liked the Summer Success Program because it gave me a chance to get to know the campus. I was able to socialize with more people and I made lots of new friends within the first week. It made me realize that you need to take college seriously."

Amara Coburn Hometown: Hartland, WI Major: Business with a focus in Public Health “For the past 5 weeks, I have bult new relationships with my peers and professors preparing me for the fall semester. It has made my transition from high school to college much smoother. Socially, I have gotten out of my shell and made new friends."

Van Cory Hometown: Granite City, IL Major: Nursing “I would recommend the Summer Success Program to other students because it was an amazing way to adjust to the college atmosphere and break out of my shell. It also gave me an opportunity to connect with professors and meet others students."

Alanea Cyrulik Hometown: Mr. Pulaski, IL Major: Undecided “I would recommend the Summer Success Program to other students because it is a huge head start to college. Not only am I receiving free credits and taking classes for 5 weeks instead of a full semester, but it has really gotten me ready for the fall

Caitlin Droll Hometown: Mascoutah, IL Major: Pre-Pharmacy “Thanks to the Summer Success Program, I will be fully prepared to transition into my fall semester. I learned how to step out of my shell and meet new people."

Nicholas Fowler Hometown: Collinsville, IL Major: History/Secondary Education “During the Summer Success Program, I made many new friends and learned the college experience. Thanks to how close-knit the program is, many of the students quickly formed strong interpersonal relationships. You'll never feel alone in the program."

Breanna Gartley Hometown: Southside of Chicago, IL Major: Social Work “ The Summer Success Program has given me so many useful resources that'll help me to achieve my goals. I've come out of my shell and socialized way more. I have gotten the opportunity to know many people from different backgrounds."

Dainis Gonzalez Hometown: Fairmont City, IL Major: Biology “ Thanks to the Summer Success Program, I was able to make an enjoyable transition to college life. I have had so much and have met so many nice people. Thanks to this program I'll be able to start the fall semester comfortably."

Arriana Grimes Hometown: St. Louis, MO Major: Speech Pathology “During, the Summer Success Program I made a lot of new friends. I was able to get to know the campus and the resources offered. For other students, this program will give them an early college experience to make connections."

Allie Hanks Hometown: Dorsey, IL Major: Nursing “The Summer Success Program taught me how to be the best student I can be. Throughout this program I have learned just about everything SIUe has to offer. This has set me up in an incredible way."

Essence Holloway Hometown: Chicago, IL Major: Undecided “By participating in the Summer Success Program, I learned how to advocate for myself. I was introduced to many different departments within the school. While having to adjust to the new environment I had to learn to step out of my comfort zone."

Soraya Huddleston Hometown: Barbonnais, IL Major: Psychology “I would recommend the Summer Success Program to other students because it helped me adjust to SIUE. As a high school student, I was isolated but doing well in school. I love how welcoming this campus is."

DeMarco Hudson Hometown: St. Louis, MO Major: Undecided “Throughout the Summer Success Program I really loved how it gave us an early college experience while allowing us to connect with others. Going out too many different restaurants and different events gave me new experiences."

Yanisa Junkham Hometown: Springfield, IL Major: Pre-Med “I enjoyed the summer program. I met cool friends and I have had so much fun. Being able to have college classes before school actual starts has taught me a lot about responsibility. This was such a great opportunity."

Makhia Logan Hometown: Springfield, IL Major: International Studies “My memorable part of the Summer Success Program was the painting event that was held. I love to paint and always do it alone, so it was really fun to get out and do it with other people."

Alyssa Loyd Hometown: Litchfield, iL Major: Business Administration “During the Summer Success Program, I learned more about how the college life works. This program gave me a bunch of new, amazing friends! Thanks to the Summer Success Program, I was able to earn credit hours before school started."

Khristian Manning Hometown: St. Louis, MO Major: Nursing “Me being able to go to the different study groups and spending time with the other students that are apart of the program and older siue students. This program has allowed me to make new friends and feel comfortable stepping out of my shell."

MyKenzie McCulloch Hometown: Maryville, IL Major: Undecided This program has allowed me to get a better understanding this program I am able to get the privilege to get a head start on my academic career. As I go off to college I plan to reside in my hometown while achieving my goal of becoming a Neurologist.

MacKenzie Monari Hometown: Buckner, IL Major: Psychology and Art “The Summer Success Program taught me what to prepare for the fall semester. I have learned my limits of how far to push myself and when I need to take breaks. I feel prepared and I am excited to what SIUE has to offer."

Jaylin Morris Hometown: St. Louis, MO Major: Biological Sciences “Within the Summer Success Program, I have learned how to manage my time and navigate a college campus like a pro. My overall highlight has been the different friends I have made and the great community that we have built as a group."

Javier Osorio Hometown: Granite City, IL Major: Business Administration “Thanks to the Summer Success Program, I was able to become more open to others and my surroundings. It has allowed me to meet new people and interact with the college life. I feel more accumulated with college."

Naomi Owada Hometown: Shipman, IL Major: Nursing “Thanks to the Summer Success Program, I have found amazing friends and have had the chance to get use to the college life in a less stressful environment. While also meeting some amazing professors that made the transition a little bit easier."

Laysha Stephens Hometown: Springfield, IL Major: Sociology “I would recommend the Summer Success Program to other students because you get ahead on your general ed courses, & you get an idea of where everything is on campus. The SSP is a great way to take a step into college life, without completely drowing.

Jaymz Young Hometown: East St. Louis, IL Major: Cybersecurity “During the Summer Success Program, I learned many skills in leadership, public speaking, and self- management. This program taught me how to truly advocate for myself, get involved, and step outside my comfort zone."

2021 Summer Success Program

Kaylee Bauchens Hometown: Highland, IL Major: Elementary Education "Being a part of the Summer success program has been such an eye-opening experience, it helped me feel genuinely prepared for my first semester at SIUE and made me feel more comfortable."

Lauren Bible Hometown: Anna, IL Major: Nursing “During the past two weeks, I have learned the ins and outs of college and feel more confident for the next four years. Along the way, I have also met people that have became good friends of mine!”

Marina Brown Hometown: Chicago, IL Major: Psychology “I really enjoyed meeting and working with other incoming freshman. I also appreciate the resources we were given as well as being able to ask questions from faculty and current students.”

Patrick Carney Hometown: Granite City, IL Major: Biochemistry "There are many, many individuals on campus who are not only willing to help you but are happy and eager to see you succeed through the many hurdles a college student will encounter."

Taylor Corbin Hometown: Florissant, MO Major: Nursing “Thanks to the program, I am more confident about going to college. I would recommend it to any incoming student that wants to get a head start ."

Cameron Coleman Hometown: Florissant, MO Major: Business Administration / Cybersecurity “Initially when I started this program, I thought it was going to be like a normal online class I had during high school, but I was mistaken. It was so much fun to attend.”

Gwyneth Comer Hometown: Granite City, IL Major: Psychology “Thanks to the program, I now feel more comfortable going into college."

Carlee Conour Hometown: Cerro Gordo, IL Major: Biomedical Science “The Summer Success Program gave me an idea of what college classes are going to be like in the fall. I feel like I'm ahead of the game and confident for school to start!”

Anna Craig Hometown: Granite City, IL Major: Biology “I would recommend the Summer Success Program to any incoming freshman that expresses the desire to jumpstart their collegiate academic journey early as well as to incoming freshmen who wish to meet new friends and build lasting connections."

Lucia Gomez Hometown: Rockford, IL Major: Undecided “What the summer success program taught me is how to manage my time wisely and that in college, I am responsible for my own things. No one will sign me up for anything.”

Jasmine Johnson Hometown: Florissant, MO Major: Applied Communications “I would recommend the summer success program to literally every freshman! I say this because this experience has taught me so much about the school, different activities on campus and even the town of Edwardsville."

Morgan Levy Hometown: Edwardsville, IL Major: Art/Graphic Design “I would recommend the SSP to any student afraid of college, but also looking forward to college. It really helps you get into the swing of things and be more confident of starting in the fall.“

Makiah Lewis Hometown: Florissant, MO Major: Business “By participating in the Summer Success Program, I was able to make two great friends. I think this program is a great way to make new friends before school actually starts! We already have things planned and haven’t even met!”

Kevyere Mack Hometown: Peoria, IL Major: Biology (pre-dental) “I learned how to speak up in class and interact with Professors & Students in a heart to heart way. Also gained knowledge on how to email my Professors ahead of time if I have any time conflicts with classes/activities.”

Arnecia Moore Dale Hometown: Belleville, IL Major: Business Management “The Summer Success taught me how to prepare for college. Thanks to the Summer Success Program, I Have experience college early so I am aware of what to expect once I move on campus.”

Blake Rice Hometown: Mount Auburn, IL Major: Music “Overall I really enjoyed my Sociology class. I loved learning about new topics that relate to modern issues.”

Jarrod Rhodes Hometown: Belleville, IL Major: Mechanical Engineering “The SSP Program is a great opportunity for students to get a small head start and an understanding of what college courses is like.”

Nora Rudin Hometown: St. Louis, MO Major: Undecided “During the program, I increased my study and learning skills for class. I have learned that participating more in class will increase my education and if I put in hard work studying it will pay off in the end."

Starteese Scott Hometown: East St. Louis, IL Major: Nursing “During the summer success program, I have learned a lot of new material and gained more knowledge about my classes than I thought I would. I’m definitely grateful for everyone who has put this program together for us ."

Emma Seibert Hometown: Hartford, IL Major: Political Science “I would recommend the program to any incoming freshman who are anxious about the transition to SIUE. Not only did the program break everything down, but the mentors are amazing."

Kehajana Tallie Hometown: East St. Louis, IL Major: Computer Science “The Summer Success program taught me how to deal with stress and anxiety. It also gave me some great study tips that I’ll have to try.”

Fatima Torres Hometown: Caseyville, IL Major: Undecided “What I enjoyed most about this program is really connecting with my classmates and professors. I am definitely very grateful to be apart of this program!”

Gabrielle Travis Hometown: O'Fallon, MO Major: Nursing “A highlight for me would be having the opportunity to meet new people and getting the chance to acclimate myself to the college experience before the fall semester.”

Caine Tyus Hometown: Bethalto, IL Major: Undecided “The SSP program at SIUE helped me get a head start on my academics at the same time getting used to being in a college setting.”

A'nya Wilkes Hometown: St. Louis, MO Major: Cybersecurity “The Summer Success Program taught me to put myself out there more. I made a lot of really great bonds, and also got a head start when it comes to my gen eds.”

Madison Wilkins Hometown: St. Louis, MO Major: Engineering or Cybersecurity “During the Summer Success Program I have learned how to become successful at SIUE by learning time management skills and being able to be prepared for the fall semester.”

Jaylen Williams Hometown: Belleville, IL Major: Business Management “I can say that I am happy I did this program because I learned what it feels like to be a college student. The program has taught me a lot about time management, stress management, and planning my schedules."