JULY 29, 2024 — The Klesse Summer Bridge Program helps prospective engineering students prepare for the rigor of their first semester by further developing math and chemistry skills and introducing them to college resources in the four weeks leading up to their freshman fall on campus.
Established by the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design (Klesse College) and Zachry Corporation, the program promotes student success by inviting students to reside on the UTSA Main Campus, attend classes, connect with other incoming freshmen, meet UTSA’s engineering faculty and learn about engineering student organizations.
Zachry Corporation and the Klesse College kicked off the Summer Bridge program in Summer 2022. The success of the first two summer sessions prompted Navistar to step in and expand the program for Summer 2024.
Students accepted to the program have all expenses covered and receive a $1,500 stipend from Zachry Corporation, a locally based, privately owned construction company in San Antonio. The stipend means that many students who would otherwise have to maintain outside employment can fully participate in the program.
“The Summer Bridge Program at Klesse College stands as an exceptional, forward-thinking approach to empowering and instilling confidence in youth passionate about engineering,” said David Zachry, CEO of Zachry Corporation. “This program leads to consistent outcomes and a much-needed head start for participating students as they embark on their collegiate journey. We take pride in supporting the program and extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contribute to its enduring success and growth.”
When Zachry Corporation partnered with UTSA two years ago to establish the program, it envisioned an opportunity where industry partners could join in to expand the program’s reach and impact. That vision materialized when Navistar, a leading vehicle manufacturer, made a generous commitment to expand the program to benefit even more students in 2024.
“In addition to the residential program, we added a commuter program this year to serve those students who won’t be living on campus their freshman year,” said Jill Ford, assistant dean of student success in the Klesse College. “Evidence shows that students are more successful when they have a community of support they can turn to when their courses get difficult.”
Carlos Velez, assistant director for student success in the Klesse College, says that freshmen who participate in the Summer Bridge Program build a solid support network during the four weeks they spend together. This foundation is vital for succeeding in demanding degree programs such as engineering, he added.
“Following the program, we still see students supporting each other, registering for classes together, and staying in touch with the program faculty and staff,” said Velez. “It has been great to see students getting involved in research, getting selected for competitive internships and being awarded additional scholarships. It really showcases how well prepared the students are and how much more comfortable they feel seeking out new opportunities.”
Ofelia Nino, who grew up in Weslaco, Texas, participated in the 2023 program. With aspirations to someday own a business specializing in prosthetics, she felt the program prepared her to succeed academically and pursue her professional goals.
“Through this program, I met many mentors and friends who greatly expanded my knowledge about the steps needed to become an entrepreneur and successfully complete my biomedical engineering degree,” said Ofelia. “Something that really resonated with me from this experience was that you can do anything if you believe in yourself. Everyone involved in this summer program has been there for each other and supportive, which made this one of the best experiences I could have ever asked for.”
A study conducted by the Klesse College on the Summer Bridge Program’s first two cohorts in 2022 and 2023 reported that students who completed the program outperformed their peers across the university. According to the study, students were 31% more likely to stay in the same major after their first year, when compared with the general student population. They were also 20% more likely to stay in their major after the first year, when compared to other Klesse College students. In addition, students who completed the 2023 Summer Bridge Program averaged a fall GPA that was 0.11 points higher than those who did not participate.
Additionally, Summer Bridge Program students completed more hours, were more likely to end the year in good academic standing and were less likely to find themselves on academic probation. To date, more than 40 students have completed the program. Another 40 are enrolled for summer 2024.
“The Klesse College is committed to ensuring students succeed, and our industry partners share this vision,” Ford said. “They see the value in this program.”
With the support of Zachry Corporation and Navistar, the Summer Bridge Program is laying a robust foundation for engineering students to succeed during their first year of college.
Now in its third generation of family leadership, Zachry Corporation celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Zachry Corporation specializes in the construction of large, technically unique projects around the world.
Navistar is based in Lisle, Illinois and has a significant manufacturing presence in San Antonio. They are a leading manufacturer of transportation industry products, including commercial trucks and powertrains, school and commercial buses and advanced connectivity services. With a history of innovation dating back to 1831, Navistar has more than 14,500 employees worldwide and is a member of TRATON SE, a global champion of the truck and transport services industry.
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