LMC offering Red Hawks Rise Summer Bridge Program

LMC offering Red Hawks Rise Summer Bridge Program

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Lake Michigan College is offering its Red Hawks Rise Summer Bridge Program to help 2024 graduating high school seniors and other incoming students prepare for the demands of college life.

The free, immersive, 12-day, non-residential program provides students with college readiness guidance, assessment, career exploration, and math, reading, and writing instruction.

"Red Hawks Rise is a fun, interactive program to assist first-time college students making the transition to college," said Beth Lehner, Lake Michigan College Life Skills Faculty and Red Hawks Rise Co-Coordinator. "Students will participate in introductory college knowledge sessions, explore career options through mini-tours, and become comfortable with admissions and financial aid. A breakfast buffet is provided daily, and students will have a head start getting to know LMC faculty, staff, and other incoming students."

The three-week program, funded by the state of Michigan through the Michigan Community College Association, takes place 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday, June 10-27, or August 5-22 on Lake Michigan College's Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave., or 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, June 18-July 12 at the Allegan County Area Technical & Education Center, 2891 116th Ave., Allegan. There will be no classes the week of July 4.

Students will:

• Learn success strategies in an inclusive and supportive environment.
• Improve study, time management, goal setting, and test-taking strategies.
• Build confidence in math, reading, and writing skills by taking an in-depth placement assessment for college-level math and English classes.
• Meet with financial aid staff, mentors, and advisors before classes begin.
• Receive guidance in career and vocational opportunities.
• Meet other new students and learn how to navigate life on campus.

"Not every student is equally prepared for college after high school, particularly after the school changes and interruptions during Covid," Lehner said. "Red Hawks Rise is meant for students who want help being prepared to succeed in college."

Red Hawks Rise is entirely free, with no tuition or textbook costs. Transportation aid to and from campus or gas gift cards are also available.

"Every student who completes the program will receive a free laptop computer, backpack, school supplies, and LMC swag," Lehner said. "Red Hawks Rise is meant to give students a true launching pad to start college."

To register, students must complete the free online application at lakemichigancollege.edu/rise by May 20. Space is limited. Students will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Once registered, students will receive confirmation from a program coordinator with further information.  

This year, students can take their first college English course tuition-free before they begin the Fall semester. Students should show their interest on the Red Hawks Rise registration form to be invited to either English 101 or English 099A and English 101 during LMC's 10-week Summer term. Participants must attend both the English class(es) and the Red Hawks Rise program to be eligible for free tuition. Students who take advantage of this opportunity must enroll in the August session on the Benton Harbor Campus.

For more information, email Beth Lehner at elehner@lakemichigancollege.edu.