How Montclair’s Early-College Programs Ensure Student Success

When students head off to college, few consider the possibility of dropping out, yet data shows many do, especially within the first year.

About 25% of first-year students don’t return for their second year, and around 35% don’t stay at the same school. Montclair State University, however, excels in keeping students on track. Early-college programs are credited with keeping students in school. They also perform better academically and earn higher GPAs.

This summer, about 400 students took part in early-college experiences, including the Summer Bridge Scholars Program, Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and Health Careers – programs credited with ensuring college success by providing incoming freshmen, many the first in their family to attend college, an intentional supportive bridge from high school to college in the fall and beyond. Programs were also held at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University.

“Nationally, summer bridge programs serve as a powerful equalizer, particularly for first-generation and underrepresented populations,” says Daniel Jean, associate provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs. “The pre-fall exposure to the curricular and co-curricular environments leads to closing the achievement gap and improving overall scholar outcomes.”

5 Attributes of Montclair’s Early College Programs

EOF Director Rahjaun Gordon points out five attributes of Montclair’s programs:

1. Academic preparation: Rigorous coursework helps students transition to college-level academics.
2. College experience: A taste of campus life eases anxiety and sets realistic expectations.
3. Study skills development and academic support: Structure and time management are critical skills for any college student to be successful, and Montclair’s programs tailor supplemental instruction and tutoring to students’ needs.
4. Social and networking opportunities: Making friends and connections support students through college and beyond.
5. Campus Navigation: Students learn what resources the campus has to offer before their first official semester, fostering a sense of belonging, ownership and pride.

What Students Are Saying

“I’m one of the incoming freshmen who knows where most places are on campus.” – Brittany Zelaya-Bustillo, incoming Accounting major

“I will be going into the fall semester with a high GPA, new connections and experience navigating the campus.” – Ruby Castillo, incoming Psychology major

Highlights of Montclair’s Early-College Programs

Summer Bridge Scholars features residential and commuter options, including hybrid learning.

• Offers a variety of courses at a discounted rate across all of Montclair’s schools and colleges.
• More than 250 students earned up to 7 degree credits.
• Supplemental instruction, academic coaching, peer-to-peer meetings, school community meetings and Montclair 101 workshops are embedded into the program.
• Last summer, 95.65% of students who participated were still enrolled in Montclair in spring 2024 and earned higher GPAs than incoming freshmen who did not attend.

EOF Summer Academy saw nearly 150 incoming scholars earn 6 college credits for free.

• Students take part in a host of co-curricular activities, including learning about financial literacy, career development, community service and leadership development.
• More than 70% of EOF scholars, many who come from under-funded school districts, graduate within six years.

Health Careers prepares highly motivated and academically capable students from financially and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds for admission to health professions schools (medical, dental, optometry, podiatry, osteopathic and veterinary) and other careers in the sciences and health.

I’m a ______, tell me more…

Prospective Student / Parent: Learn more about Summer Bridge Scholars and College Access and Enrollment Programs; plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk!

Journalist: Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview about this topic. See our Faculty Experts and hi-res media assets available for download.