JWU Charlotte’s Summer Bridge Program is an empowering, fully funded experience for 20 Charlotte-area first-year students selected through an application and interview process. This program is designed to help students transition successfully into college life and offers participants an early introduction to campus resources and an immediate connection to help make campus feel like home away from home. Program members discover what it truly means to belong at JWU by connecting one-on-one with peers and their mentors, navigating campus life and building confidence from the start.

This year’s program began a week prior to New Student Orientation in August and included activities on and off campus. Ronya Traynham, academic success coach & partnership coordinator, shared, “It was incredibly rewarding to watch our students grow throughout the week, especially as they became more comfortable navigating campus, connecting and building relationships with our student Wildcat Leaders and the broader JWU community.”

Building a Community That Lasts

Traynham emphasized that “Summer Bridge is about more than helping students prepare for their first semester. It is about creating a community that supports students throughout their college journey. I truly believe we accomplished that and then some. This year’s program members have already shared that Summer Bridge has made a lasting impact on their transition to college.”

Through meaningful activities like Willie Time, which pairs students with a Wildcat Leader of their choice to serve as their mentor, Summer Bridge helps set the foundation for students to build meaningful relationships and a strong support network.

And Summer Bridge extends beyond the program’s initial week’s success, with monthly meetings throughout the year, where different topics are addressed ranging from how to find scholarship opportunities to family reunions and to connect with past program participants — all opportunities to help stay connected and further strengthen that sense of community.

Finding Confidence, Connection and Belonging

Christopher Bowser ’30, a Health Science major, initially joined the program hoping it would help him acclimate to campus before the start of the semester. Bowser shared that he gained much more. “I learned about so many resources like a pre-health advisor to make sure I stay on the path to reach my goals and getting involved by joining clubs like the Caribbean Student Society. I also gained friendships, confidence and a stronger sense of what it means to be part of the JWU community.”

A highlight of Bowser’s experience was the “Bridge by Design” activity, where students decorated puzzle pieces representing their identities, cultures and personal experiences. As the pieces came together, students saw how their unique stories contributed to a larger community. “It made me realize that belonging does not mean everyone has to be the same,” Bowser said. “It means having a place where you can be yourself and still feel connected to the people around you.”

Turning New Connections into Friendships

Bowser entered the fall semester with an established support network because he participated in Summer Bridge. He and his fellow Summer Bridge peers continue to spend time together, creating memories by walking around Uptown to find new eating spots and enjoy the scenery, playing ping pong in the Wildcat Den, participating in fun campus activities like What Happens to Willie?, a murder mystery game using the school’s mascot and everyday moments like watching movies together and having game nights, moments that have helped make JWU feel like home.

Mekhien Wilmore ’30, a Culinary Arts major and another Summer Bridge participant, shared, “I wanted to make connections with the students and staff around me, and to help with my personal goals to become a better person not just for myself but for those around me too. I’ve learned a lot about myself and other people. The experience has taught me to be myself around others.”

From Summer Bridge Student to Wildcat Leader

“When I was an incoming student, Summer Bridge gave me a sense of belonging,” shared Kayden Faglier ’29, Psychology major. “Coming back as a Wildcat Leader and serving as mentor to this year’s participants gave me an opportunity to provide that familiar face and help create the kind of welcoming environment that made such a difference for me.”

“I’ve noticed a lot of myself in this year’s students. I’m seeing the excitement, the nervousness and sometimes the uncertainty about whether they think they will find their place here at JWU, many of the same questions and worries that I had as a new student. Now, I can share what I learned about getting involved, asking for help, building relationships and simply giving yourself time to adjust. More than anything, I can offer reassurance that they belong here and that the uncomfortable parts of starting something new eventually become some of the most meaningful parts of the experience.”

A Foundation for Student Success

As this year’s Summer Bridge students begin their JWU journey, one thing is clear: Summer Bridge is more than a transition program. It is a foundation for success, connection and belonging. Through shared experiences, new friendships and a growing sense of confidence, students discover that they are not beginning college alone. They are becoming part of a community that will support them every step of the way.