TAMIU Bridge to Success Programs Making A Difference for Students

For nearly nine years the Texas A&M International University “Bridge to Success” program has helped students who may struggle when it comes to receiving a university education. Since its launch in 1998, the Bridge to Success program has prepared students to overcome the barriers of attending a university by helping prepare them for the university experience.  

The Pre-Bridge to Success program prepares high school students, scheduled to graduate in May, for their college entrance exams such as the SAT, THEA and ACT.  Students receive training in subjects such as math, English and writing, while receiving training for job readiness.  Also available are instructional sessions on financial aid, admissions, career services, and University orientation.

“Bridge to Success provides a transition from high school to the University,” said Sergio Barragán, program coordinator for the Pre-Bridge and Bridge programs.

Students graduating in 2007 from Webb County are eligible for this program, and must visit the Texas Workforce Center to confirm Workforce Investment Act eligibility. Once completing the Pre-Bridge to Success program and meeting TAMIU’s admissions requirements, students will be eligible to participate in the Bridge to Success Program. The Pre Bridge and Bridge to Success Programs receives financial and in-kind staff support from the South Texas Workforce Development Board.

Benefits to being in the program are numerous Barragán said.

“There are several benefits available to students participating in the Bridge to Success Program, including tuition for summer semesters I and II, books, supplies, academic incentive, and a paid work experience. The student will be able to complete 6 to 9 hours of university credit and, in some cases, may complete as many as 24 hours of university credit if they are able to complete the credits by examination (CLEP). Also, if the Bridge to Success program is completed, the student will be eligible for scholarships ranging from $200 to $400,” he explained.

“Pre-Bridge, Bridge, and Post-Bridge are integral components of the TAMIU’s Bridge to Success year-round program.  Pre-Bridge and Bridge serve the current year participants and Post-Bridge serves the prior year participants,” he added. 

Barragán noted that all components work together for students’ benefit.

“All three components work together to eliminate barriers and create incentives for the benefit of the WIA participants.  Recruitment, admission, retention, and graduation are the underlying goals of the Bridge to Success program,” he said.

The program was founded in 1998 by TAMIU psychology professor Dr. Julio F. Madrigal. Bridge to Success is a 10-week, university-level academic and work experience program designed for graduating juniors and seniors of the Class of 2007.

Spaces are limited, and those interested are encouraged to apply early.

For more information on Bridge to Success programs, please contact Barragán, coordinator for Pre-College Programs, at 956.326.2702 or sbarragan@tamiu.edu

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu