From Academics to Personal Connections, ALLI Program Offers Incoming Students a Smoother Transition into College
For many students like Prianka Naha ’18 and Carla Verdejo ’19, the transition from high school to college can be daunting, especially when it comes time to take their first college math class. It’s a common struggle that many women deal with that sparked the development of Bay Path’s summer bridge program, the Academic Learners and Leaders Initiative (ALLI).
“If you struggle with math, the ALLI program can help you gain and apply the information you need to succeed,” Naha, who enrolled in ALLI last summer and served as a peer tutor this year, said. “And if you’re good at math, ALLI can serve as a refresher before you begin your college career.”
Jemi Kuberski, Director of Student Academic Support Services, launched ALLI in 2013 with Title III grant funding as part of the “Learners and Leaders Project.” That first year was a small pilot of five students. The program is continuing to expand, this year attracting 19 students: 10 from Connecticut, seven from Massachusetts, and two from Maine, with majors spanning psychology, science, business, criminal justice, forensic studies, and education. First generation students make up 37% of the participating group, and 52% are diverse. ALLI is now also funded by generous donors and a grant from the Charles H. Hall Foundation.
“ALLI is designed to bridge the gap between high school and college through an expanded and revitalized orientation that includes academic coursework, enrichment activities, and relationship-building with faculty, staff, and other students,” Kuberski said.
Guided by an instructor, coach, and two peer tutors like Naha, students face their challenges with math head-on and learn to seek avenues of support across campus throughout the three-week-long program.
“There was a lot of math involved, but we would all look to each other for help on the homework, as well as the tutors and Professor [Jane] Weyant,” Verdejo said.
And the rewards are worth the effort: the majority of students who participate in ALLI, like Naha and Verdejo, are able to skip their first math class as a result of improved placement test scores.
“My initial Accuplacer test score of 51 meant that I would have to take Applied College Math even though it wasn’t required for my pre-med major. But after completing ALLI, my score jumped up 36 points,” Naha said. “I was able to go right to pre-calculus. That was huge.”
Beyond honing their skills in math, ALLI students spend time in the Center for Online and Digital Learning, Multicultural Affairs, Health and Wellness, and Career Services developing their resumes, learning stress management techniques, and meeting with key faculty and staff members to support their journey at Bay Path and beyond. As a result, significant learning takes place, students find confidence in their abilities, and they are able to effectively use the resources on campus when the semester starts.
“We really got a feel for the school and know who to go to when we need to ask for help,” Naha said, adding, “When the other first year students moved in, we welcomed them and showed them around.”
ALLI students showcased their learning experience through multimedia presentations during an open house, just in time for the rest of the incoming students to join them on campus. The presentations were as different as the students themselves, yet each underscored a common theme: campus community.
“While in the program, I got to know 18 other girls very well and we have a special bond from our time in ALLI,” Verdejo said.
Naha agreed with that perspective. “It’s not just a math program. ALLI prepares you for a great college experience.”