Summer Bridge Is Here — And Tennessee Students Are Starting Strong

This week, students across Tennessee are stepping onto community college campuses before the fall semester begins, choosing to prepare early for the college experience ahead. Through Summer Bridge, tnAchieves’ free academic readiness program, students are showing up at 11 programs hosted in partnership with Tennessee community colleges, building academic skills, gaining confidence and experiencing a college classroom before their first semester officially starts.

Summer Bridge is designed for students who may otherwise begin college in corequisite coursework. Taught by college professors in a supportive environment, students focus on math, reading, English and college readiness while taking the ACCUPLACER placement exam on the first and last day of the program. For many, Summer Bridge creates an opportunity to begin college in credit-bearing coursework and start the fall semester with momentum.

This is what Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce looks like at the starting line. Students who choose Summer Bridge are making a commitment to themselves, their education and their communities — and that commitment has a lasting impact. Today, 84.7% of tnAchieves graduates live and work in Tennessee, and tnAchieves graduates represent an estimated $40.6–$45.9 billion in lifetime earnings impact across the state.

tnAchieves is proud to stand alongside the colleges, community partners and supporters who make Summer Bridge possible across Tennessee. Most of all, we are proud of the students who chose to begin early. Their effort today is an investment in stronger futures, stronger communities and a stronger Tennessee.