Summer Bridge Programs for Engineering Students: A Systematic Literature Review
- Conference
- Location
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Portland, Oregon
- Publication Date
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June 23, 2024
- Start Date
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June 23, 2024
- End Date
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June 26, 2024
- Conference Session
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Diverse Pathways in Engineering Education: Exploring Experiences and Opportunities
- Tagged Division
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Minorities in Engineering Division(MIND)
- Tagged Topic
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Diversity
- Page Count
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16
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--48034
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/48034
- Download Count
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225
Paper Authors
Julie M. Smith
CSEdResearch.org
orcid.org/0000-0003-2347-2070
Dr. Julie M. Smith is a senior education researcher at CSEdResearch.org. She holds degrees in Curriculum & Instruction and Software Development. She also completed a doctoral program in Learning Technologies at the University of North Texas. Her research focus is computer science education, particularly the intersection of learning analytics, learning theory, and equity and excellence. She was a research assistant at MIT’s Teaching Systems Lab, working on a program aimed at improving equity in high school computer science programs; she is also co-editor of the SIGCSE Bulletin.
Jordan Williamson
Jordan Williamson graduated with a BA in English from the University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests center on minority experiences in the American Education System.
Abstract
Introduction: Engineering programs continue to struggle with attracting and retaining students from underrepresented groups. A variety of programs seek to improve equity in engineering programs, including summer bridge programs, which involve students transitioning in their studies, usually from high school to college. Summer bridge programs can vary dramatically in terms of time commitment, content, goals, and program evaluation methods.
Objective: The main purpose of this study is to explore the question, What does previous research indicate about engineering summer bridge programs?
Methods: Research studies involving engineering summer bridge programs (n = 72) were analyzed in this systematic literature review.
Results: Our findings indicate that summer bridge programs for engineering students often (1) focus on calculus skills, (2) have the goal of encouraging retention of minoritized students, and (3) occur in tandem with other interventions. While some studies use rigorous methods to assess program outcomes, other studies are more akin to experience reports.
Conclusion: Our findings present a landscape of research on summer bridge programs, including significant gaps in what is known about program efficacy.
Smith, J. M., & Williamson, J. (2024, June), Summer Bridge Programs for Engineering Students: A Systematic Literature Review Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--48034
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