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2006 PROGRAM

The Summerbridge Dayton program is modeled after Summerbridge programs at forty sites across the United States and Hong Kong. The first program began in 1978 at San Francisco's University High School. 

The program's goals are twofold: (1) to empower motivated students to succeed and do well in high school programs, which will provide a strong foundation for college attendance; and, (2) to encourage talented high school and college students to fully experience the challenges, exhilaration and realities of teaching, while encouraging them to prepare for careers in education. 

The high school and college students who teach in the program are given the opportunity to plan their curriculum and to be "in charge" of a classroom of eight students after an intensive week-long training program. Under the supervision of trained teachers and program directors, the student teachers feel the exhilaration of helping children learn, as well as conduct student advising, special events, and enrichment activities. Many who teach in the program go on to choose education as a career. 

SIX-WEEK SUMMER PROGRAM:
The six-week summer program was housed on Wright State University's campus. Each student took four academic morning courses (e.g., language arts, math, science, and social studies) and two afternoon electives (e.g., sports, improvisation, French, theatre/mime, ladies leadership, swimming, newsletter, and video making). Class sizes were small, with seven to eight students per class. The work was demanding, skill based, and designed to prepare students for success and graduation from high school. All students completed at least one hour of homework each night to reinforce study skills (e.g., note taking, active reading, and techniques for effective test taking). Creativity, leadership, and positive risk-taking were also emphasized both in and out of the classroom.

FUNDING:
The tuition-free program provided students with bus transportation to and from Wright State University; a nourishing  lunch; all academic materials; instruction in language arts, social studies, math, science, and two electives. The two-year commitment also includes monthly Saturday sessions and other enrichment activities. 

Summerbridge Dayton, a non-profit program, was funded in 2006 by corporate grants and personal donations. 

SUMMERBRIDGE DAYTON PROGRAM:
Summerbridge Dayton students attended Fairview, Stivers, Miami Chapel, Jefferson, Trotwood Middle School, and Corpus Christi, as well as, Greene County middle schools.

Summerbridge Dayton offered a neutral location at Wright State University's main campus. The program was designed to help students bridge educational, spatial, and cultural gaps they may experience within Dayton communities. Due to the cultural differences of both school districts, each student brought a wealth of experience, talent, and interest to the Summerbridge Dayton family. Through the rigorous and enriching academic environment, the students had the opportunity to learn study skills, to improve their self-esteem, and to develop leadership skills that can be used in their schools and within their communities. 

In an article in Impact Weekly (July 20 - 26, 2000 page 11) the following was noted: "The middle school students benefit from the small group instruction by their teenage and young adult teachers. The teachers, students themselves, benefit from the firsthand experience of planning lessons and mentoring younger students." 

The staff represented graduate and undergraduate students from Wright State and Central State Universities and one SBD graduate attending the Dayton Early College Academy. Of the 12 student teachers, 9 of them were education majors which made for a more engaging and prepared staff.