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Transitions can be scary, so preparing for them can be useful and wise. It was a sentiment expressed several times over from students who participated in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s five-week Summer Success Program (SSP). 

Students were honored during SSP’s closing program on Thursday, Aug. 10 in the Abbott Auditorium in the Lovejoy Library. They received awards and accolades from special guests, displayed project exhibits and shared their experiences. 

“Participating in SSP has allowed me to fully and confidently immerse myself in the schedule of being a college student,” said Kel Cruz, a pre-pharmacy major from Glendale Heights. “Many of the concerns and uncertainties I had about starting at SIUE have been addressed and resolved, leaving me as a self-assured, worry-free incoming freshman who knows exactly where to find resources on campus.” 

“Being a part of SSP has prepared my transition to SIUE by learning how to manage my time, money and study habits,” explained incoming freshman Zachary Tobias of Chicago. 

“As we mark the fifth anniversary of our College Summer Success Program, we proudly reflect on the transformative impact it has had on our students’ personal and academic growth,” said Director for SIUE CORE TEAM (College Readiness: Transition, Engage, Achieve and Mentor) MaKesha Harris Lee, EdD. “This program has proven time and again to be a critical pillar of student development, empowering young minds to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.” 

“The SIUE Summer Success Program has evolved and refined itself, incorporating feedback and insights from students, faculty and the broader educational community,” continued Harris Lee. “This continuous improvement process has allowed us to create a comprehensive experience that addresses the multifaceted needs of our diverse student body.” 

“One of the key reasons this program remains indispensable to our students is its holistic approach to development,” she continued. “We understand that a student's success is not solely measured by academic achievement but also by their emotional well-being, social skills and adaptability. The program goes beyond traditional classroom learning, offering a wide array of workshops, seminars and experiential activities that foster personal growth, build resilience and enhance problem-solving abilities.” 

Thirty students participated in this year’s program. The free five-week session is open to a select cohort of newly admitted first-year students who identify as first-generation and/or Pell eligible. Program participants can earn up to five college credit hours.

“Seeing these 30 students grow over the past five weeks, I am truly proud of each one of them,” said Program Coordinator Leslie Boudouris. “I am grateful to have witnessed their transformation into college students and can’t wait to see what they will do next.” 

“I look forward to continuing to work with these students as they get into the thick of their classes and college life,” noted Program Coordinator Letrice “Lee” Young, EdD. 

“SSP is not just a summer endeavor but a life-changing journey for our students,” concluded Harris Lee. “We firmly believe that it will continue to be a cornerstone of student development, empowering young minds to shape a brighter future for themselves and society as a whole.” 

The SIUE Summer Success Program is designed to assist provide assistance to incoming first-year undergraduate students. It works collaboratively with students to engage in an ongoing transitional process from high school to college and creates a foundation for persistence towards a timely graduation. 

Photos:
SSP students, instructors, coordinators and administrators attended the SSP Closing Program on Thursday, Aug. 10. 

Helping to celebrate students and their achievements were SSP Program Coordinator Letrice “Lee” Young, EdD, (left) and Director for SIUE CORE TEAM MaKesha Harris Lee, EdD.