ATLANTA – Following back-to-back successful summers helping bridge the transition to Georgia State, Summer Bridge has returned to assist student-athletes during their first semester on campus.

Incoming student-athletes will meet for the first time this week with a goal of easing the transition from high school or other schools to Georgia State. The program started two summers ago from the vision of Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development Brad Horton. It was immediately successful allowing Assistant Athletic Director for Career Services and Life Skills Michael Stovall to expand the program once again this year.

Summer Bridge started with an orientation session on Sunday where parents and student-athletes were introduced to the program, academics and Life Skills.

Among the topics to be discussed this summer are choices, academics, the Panther P.L.A.N., career plans, leadership, finances, mental health, and community service.

The group will learn about e-mail etiquette, social media, and PAWS on Monday.

Later this week, the student-athletes will learn about making the correct choices on campus. They will hear from the Dean of Students office (Ron Mazique), housing office (Joshua Vance) and campus safety from Lt. Col. Pamisa Scott.

The summer semester started today and will end in late July.