ATLANTA -- Georgia State freshman and transfer student-athletes enrolled this summer are getting a head start both on the playing field and in life, thanks to the Summer Bridge Program.
Summer Bridge is a nine-week, new student-athlete orientation that aids in bridging the gap between high school and college. It is an introduction to a new life chapter in academics, athletics and lifestyle.
The program is conducted by Assistant Athletic Director for Life Skills and Career Development Michael Stovall and the Student-Athlete Development staff, and it helps ensure that each student-athlete has a four-year graduation plan as well as a game plan for life skills, leadership training and career development.
“The Summer Bridge program is set up to give the incoming freshman and transfer student-athletes a leg up on our campus as well as the city of Atlanta," Stovall explained. "This program is the first step in ensuring that our athletes have an understanding of the transition into elite collegiate athleticism, finances, safety, and mental skills for success.”
At one recent seminar, the student-athletes participated in a panel discussion with a group of former collegiate student-athletes who had transitioned to successful careers in a variety of fields. Each had a unique story to share, and the panel included an attorney, an educator, a minister, business leaders and professional athletes such as former NFL and Major League Baseball standout-turned-television analyst Brian Jordan.
Another popular seminar was on financial literacy and budgeting.
The student-athletes have also participated in various workshops designed to orient them to college athletics and campus life at Georgia State. The program concluded with a community service project as the student-athletes volunteered their time at the Belvedere Community Garden in Decatur.
"I really appreciated and enjoyed summer bridge because it was a way for me expand my knowledge on topics like nutrition, budgeting, and the effects of drugs and alcohol. I also enjoyed the guest speakers because you receive different perspectives."
Darius Stubbs, a football freshman from Riverdale, said, "I've learned a lot about what college life is like. We talk about the differences from high school to college, what you need to be aware of and what you need to look out for."
He added that he enjoyed, "the different speakers coming in who have already experienced all this and become successful."
And thanks to the Summer Bridge Program, these student-athletes have a roadmap for their own success.
