For 19 recent Sunnyside Unified School District graduates, the transition from high school to college started this summer and they’re already earning college credit.

Through a first-of-its-kind partnership between Sunnyside Unified School District and Pima Community College, students participated in the five-week Summer Bridge program, giving them the opportunity to experience college life while completing coursework and earning four college credits.

The program was designed to help students feel more confident navigating a college campus, understand what it takes to be successful in higher education, and begin their college journey with a head start.

For many students, the transition from high school to college can come with uncertainty. Concerns about the workload, cost, and knowing where to turn for support can create barriers for students considering postsecondary education.

Pima Community College Director of High School Engagement and Recruitment James Palacios helped connect Sunnyside graduates with the Summer Bridge opportunity.

“We wanted to make sure we had those supports in place in order for them to build that confidence to continue on,” Palacios said.

Throughout the five-week program, students became familiar with the campus, connected with advisors and staff, and experienced what it means to manage college-level coursework.

For the students who participated, Summer Bridge provided more than an introduction to college; it gave them the opportunity to earn credits before beginning their first semester.

Students successfully completed the five-week course and earned four college credits, giving them a head start on their college education.

The experience also helped students become more comfortable navigating campus, accessing resources, connecting with college staff, and understanding that asking for help is an important part of being a successful college student.

To celebrate their accomplishments, students were recognized at a completion ceremony where they received certificates honoring their successful participation in the program.

Three students were also selected to receive scholarships to help support their continued education at Pima Community College during the fall semester.

For Sunnyside Unified School District and Pima Community College, the goal is to make the transition to college feel more accessible, manageable, and achievable for students.

And for the 19 students who completed Summer Bridge, they’re heading into their next chapter with something even more valuable than a head start: confidence, college credit, and the knowledge that they belong on a college campus.