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Bridge to Success is a two-tier program combining the College's Summer Bridge
Program with Introduction to Workplace Readiness, a Cuesta
College cooperative work experience class. The program is
intended to provide training in employment search and retention,
a solid academic curriculum, and an interactive college
experience for at-risk high school students. Participants enroll
in Work Experience 10, a course offered at a variety of
countywide locations, including Arroyo Grande High School,
Atascadero High School, Morro Bay High School, Paso Robles High
School, and San Luis Obispo High School. Students are recruited
from area high schools, community and continuation schools, the
probation department, the Independent Living Program and Foster
Youth Services, and a number of other community programs serving
youth. Participants earn three Cuesta elective |
units, up to 10 high school credits, and upon completion are awarded a
clothing voucher to be used for work and school-appropriate
clothes. Field trips to Cuesta College and local employers are
also included in the curriculum. Over 300 students have
completed the program thus far. Graduates are encouraged to
apply for the Summer Bridge Program, which provides a second
level of opportunity and experience for the participants.
Qualified applicants who have completed the Introduction to
Workplace Readiness course are chosen to participate in Summer Bridge, where they enroll in two college level courses
and are placed in an on-campus job for the duration of the
Summer semester. Students earn additional Cuesta units and high
school credits, and are paid for a 6-hour workday. Twenty-four
students graduated from the Bridge Program in Summer 2004.
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