Success Stories
“I have learned to apply my new communication skills to my everyday life. This has opened doors for me and allowed for others to see my dedication to education.”
Brianna Arps, Incarnate Word Academy, Grade 9
“Our daughter, Danielle, just loves the UMSL Bridge Program. An integral part of the Bridge Program is the college preparation assignments and information.
We enrolled our daughter in the Bridge Program 2 years ago. We saw right from the first session that this program would afford our daughter with college preparation skills, self-discipline, as well as
self-esteem.
The Bridge Program has helped her identify the key areas in which her academic and personal development can help her achieve her highest potential. This has meant that not only can she focus on the key areas in which she can succeed, but also enabled her to develop into new areas of excellence. Her involvement in the program has enabled her to achieve excellence and promote it to her peers.
The Bridge Program has given our daughter courage and great confidence to make bold education and career decisions. The educators have a personal yet professional approach, which is both encouraging and empowering.
The environment is fun and encompasses a host of lessons about how to be a better student. We were pleasantly surprised how complete the program really is. We will be keeping our daughter in the program right through her senior year.
We definitely recommend the UMSL Bridge Program to other high school students and their parents.
Thank you for all the hard work you put into this program. The UMSL Bridge Program is very helpful and provides a positive foundation for educational endeavors.”
Mr. and Mrs. Vick James, daughter Danielle James, Hazelwood East, Grade 11
“The Bridge Program will help me further my education. I want to become a surgeon and the hands on heart dissection activities have assisted me with this goal. The program has helped me decide what type of colleges I can attend and I have gained the necessary knowledge to make a strong college choice.”
Victoria Kyles, McCluer High School, Grade 9
“When I came to the Bridge Program I didn’t know what to expect. I have participated in a number of programs, but have never experienced such an awesome program. As you may know, as a parent children do not come with instructions. The Bridge Program has given me the vital tools to assist with the preparation of my son’s future. As a single parent, in this decade, it can be very challenging at times, but to know that I have support means the world to me. I am very appreciative and grateful to the staff in the University of Missouri St Louis Bridge Program.”
Ms. Regina Walton, son Cleveland Walton, Lutheran High School North, Grade 10
“We love the Bridge Program! We’ve had 2 daughters participate in the program, and each one has been rewarded differently with their participation. My oldest daughter is now a 2nd year student at Ohio Wesleyan College and attributes her easy transition to college to the Bridge Program. The biggest improvement with our 2nd daughter has been her willingness to speak out more in class. Through the involvement and different in-class projects, Taylor has become more comfortable giving speeches.”
Mr. and Mrs. Tony Blackmon, daughter Taylor Blackmon, Incarnate Ward Academy, Grade 10
“I’ve enjoyed all of my instructors and I appreciate them for devoting their Saturday’s to help us succeed! Bridge is an awesome program and awesome opportunity!”
Mariah Robinson, Hazelwood Central, Grade 11
“I enrolled my daughter, Taylor Howard in the Bridge Program at UMSL to help prepare for a smooth transition between high school and college. The program’s title “Linking Dreams of Today with Opportunities of Tomorrow” is precisely fitting, given the overall mission is to help students and parents bridge the gap between high school and college. Bridge motivated and empowered Taylor to: 1) further focus on her curriculum skills (math, science, and english), 2) prepare and plan to meet standard college admissions criteria such as the SAT and ACT, and 3) aspire to achieve higher learning. As a result, this academic school year, Taylor has excelled in her studies and attained high achievements, (maintained a 3.7 GPA and has been invited to join the National Honor Society at her high school, Bishop DuBourg). It is with much gratitude and appreciation that I acknowledge Bridge for its approach in equipping Taylor and her peers with essential knowledge, skills, and resources required for overcoming common barriers that continue to cause hindrance and frustration while attempting to make the successful transition from high school to college life.”
Ms. Bridget Howard, daughter Taylor Howard, Bishop DuBourg, Grade 10
“The things I learned in Bridge will assist me with future planning. Thank you Bridge for all that you have done to assist me!”
Jasmine Peterson, Hazelwood Central, Grade 11
“Participating in the Bridge Program has been an awesome experience for me. I truly appreciate all the time and effort put forth on behalf of high school students in order to assist them in transitioning from high school to post-secondary education. The Bridge Program staff has been fantastic! You have helped me to be more prepared to meet upcoming challenges that I will encounter. Again, thank you all!”
Ward Hughes Jr., McCluer South Berkeley High School, Grade 12
“Our daughter has been attending the program for 2 years and since she has been in the Bridge Program, she has excelled in every way. She has focused more on her career and her goals. We believe that as long as she attends the program that she will be able to achieve and surpass all that she encounters. We are proud of her and thankful for the program.” Ms. Camille Meriweather, daughter Audresha Grigsby, McCluer North High School, Grade 9
“The science courses have assisted me in preparing for my future career. The Career Development course has greatly helped me in learning how to navigate the scholarship process and start my college plan. I have much more insight of the world around me because of Bridge.”
Arial Peterson, Marquette High School, Grade 11
