Student Bridges Agency

The mission of Student Bridges is to increase college access and success for underrepresented students on the university campus and in our neighboring communities by building partnerships at UMass Amherst, with local schools and community organizations, offering college awareness, preparation and success activities, and advocating for enhanced institutional and public policies and practices. In order to meet this mission, Student Bridges has four integrated components: College Preparatory Academic Tutoring-Mentoring: Student Bridges hosts courses and internships that provide UMass Amherst students with academic credit to tutor-mentor participants at partner schools and programs in Amherst, Holyoke and Springfield, MA with a vision hoping to expand even further. Community Outreach and College Awareness: Student Bridges interns work with student groups, local schools, and community-based organizations to develop and implement college awareness and preparation workshops, trips to UMass Amherst, and community-based events. Advocacy: Student Bridges works with faculty, schools, community organizations, and national and local coalitions to advocate for policies and practices that support college access and success for underrepresented and historically marginalized students. For more information about this component, visit the “Advocacy” section of our site at studentbridges.org Retention: Student Bridges collaborates with Success Centers and Registered Student Organizations to provide support and networks for underrepresented students enrolled at UMass Amherst.