The first year of college can be a pivotal time for students both academically and socially. A decade ago, the CSU Board of Trustees envisioned the Early Start Program as one way to help support students as they transitioned from high school to college by providing summer programming in key areas such as English language and mathematics. This year, as part of the CSU’s continued commitment to strengthen academic preparation for all students, the CSU has announced a new, expanded program to replace Early Start.
Called Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students, the program will provide services not just for summer but for the entire first year for many students, and include services to support students both in and outside of the classroom. “Research has shown that strong preparation is tied to academic success for first-time undergraduate students,” said Jeff Gold, interim associate vice chancellor for Student Success. “The new Supportive Pathways Program reflect some of the most innovative work happening across the CSU and features programming and services that are responsive to the unique needs of each campus.”
Beginning this summer, the program will establish intentional pathways and support structures to ensure that at least 90% of first-time students successfully complete the General Education A2 and B4 requirements within their first year. Additional student supports will complement academic offerings to help students forge a strong sense of belonging, another key factor in student success. All 23 CSUs were invited to submit proposals for funding as part of the reimagining of the Early Start Program. Nearly all universities received individual grants from the Chancellor’s Office totaling $5 million.
A tuition waiver may be available for students attending the summer phases before and/or at the end of their first academic year. For more information, visit the CSU Student Success website.
Highlighted programs include:
- The RISE (Runner Institute for Summer Enrichment) program, an eight-week robust summer bridge program at CSU Bakersfield that addresses both academic and social supports. Students will have the opportunity to earn between eight and 12 units and will have access to subject tutors during fall and spring terms.
- The Bronco Scholars Program (Cal Poly Pomona) serves all students placed in Category 3 and 4 math, with a focus on supporting underserved and underrepresented students through culturally affirming programs/services. Bronco Scholars will take a six-week in-person math course and each course will be assigned an embedded tutor to provide peer-to-peer math tutoring support in and out of the classroom, host study sessions and office hours. Up to 200 students will also complete GE Area-F, Intro to Ethnic Studies. The faculty in the Ethnic Studies course partner with English faculty to develop and scaffold writing assignments to strengthen the students’ writing skills.
- At Cal State LA, every incoming student will be part of the First-Year Connections (FYC) program. Within this broader group, Category 3 and 4 students will be invited to a Holistic Summer Program and provided additional supports throughout the year. Student course completion will be addressed through proactive campaigns and Peer Led Undergraduate Study (PLUS) supplemental instruction provided.
- California State University, East Bay’s (CSUEB) Pathfinders (EBP) program will build belonging and community for first-year students via a scaffolded, cohort structured, major and/or social justice focused, academic and co-curricular experience starting in the summer prior to matriculation.