This summer, rising 9th and 10th graders from New Heights engaged in a transformative two-week academic and enrichment program hosted at Massasoit Community College (MCC) and Bridgewater State University (BSU). This immersive experience offered our scholars a unique opportunity to taste college life firsthand while cultivating the critical skills necessary for postsecondary success.

This academically rigorous initiative directly aligns with our mission to prepare every student for higher education. Highlighting this commitment, both of our rising 9th and 10th graders visited Stonehill College—our valued new partner—to explore their acclaimed education department and diverse degree pathways. In just two short years, these scholars will officially begin their college journeys, and this visit provided an inspiring glimpse into their bright futures.

At BSU, rising 10th graders participated in a residence hall session. During the session, they toured one of the university’s residence halls and learned about residential life and building community on a college campus. They were introduced to the role of Resident Assistants (RAs) and learned about the leadership responsibilities that come with the position. Additionally, they attended a cybersecurity simulation that introduced them to various careers within the field. This simulation allowed them to research cybersecurity-related jobs and explore the different pathways available in this rapidly growing career field.

Simultaneously, our rising 9th graders spent dedicated time on the MCC campus diving into journalism and media production. Scholars actively produced their own television segments, radio broadcasts, and podcasts. Through this hands-on, project-based learning, they sharpened the essential skills of 21st-century learning, which focuses on creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, and competencies that will serve as the bedrock of their academic careers.

Programs like our Summer Bridge initiative do more than just build academic stamina; they elevate scholar confidence and make higher education feel accessible and real. Early collegiate exposure empowers our scholars to set ambitious goals, envision themselves thriving on campus, and realize that a college degree is well within their reach. This year, the Summer Bridge program also included a trip to Level 99 to cultivate community and leadership development. 

An endeavor of this scale is only possible through deep collaboration. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated New Heights educators, alongside the exceptional faculty and staff at MCC, BSU, and Stonehill College, who dedicated  their time to ensure that this Summer Bridge Program was both academically enriching and socially fulfilling.

Finally, to our families, thank you for your unwavering partnership and commitment to your scholar’s educational journey. You are the cornerstone of our community, and we are deeply grateful for your trust as we walk this path toward college success together.