The "Bridges" program is an NIH funded program, which was initiated by Dr. Joseph Graves, Life Sciences Department, ASU West. The program is currently in its third year; there are 2 years remaining on the grant. The grant is designed to dovetail with support from MCCCD and to provide academic and financial support for select student participants. Presently, there are 5 campuses within the district that are named in the grant: PVCC, GC, SMC, PC, and EMCC. Each campus has a designated coordinator. The coordinator plays a vital role not only in the process of identifying eligible students and participating in the application process, but also in providing ongoing support and mentoring for student participants throughout the academic year and during the summer Bridges program.

The program provides an opportunity for carefully selected students of underrepresented groups interested in science and biomedical research careers to receive extensive training in research laboratories at ASU West.

Interested students complete an application and participate in an interview with the Bridges Director and Coordinators. A total of 30 students may be selected to participate in the summer program. To date, PVCC has had 5 students involved in the program since PVCC was invited to participate effective Spring semester, 1999. Two students are now in their second year of the program and are actively conducting research in Dr. Joseph Graves' genetics laboratory. Three additional students are currently participating in their first summer of the Bridges program.

During the academic year, students whom have successfully completed the first summer of the program receive the following: a stipend, college credit for the summer courses taken during the program, a full year of tuition at their respective CC campuses the following year, free one-on-one tutoring in all classes. In addition, the Bridges program participants, the director, and the campus coordinators meet monthly for a "Science Night" during which time coordinators meet to discuss the progress of the students, followed by a lecture typically presented by a nationally recognized researcher whom is also a member of an underrepresented group. In additional Program Coordinators meet with their students on a weekly basis, follow the students' progress in all classes, arrange for tutoring, and provide overall support and guidance for the students throughout the year.

 

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