SHARP SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM A SUCCESS

Making the leap from high school to college is a big transition, but doing so at Montana Tech got a little easier
this summer through the implementation of SHARP, a summer bridge program. Thirty students moved into the
dormitory a couple of weeks early and attended sessions meant to jumpstart their college experience.

“We want to support these students in their math, writing, and college success skills,” Associate Dean of
Students and Executive Director of Student Success Sarah North Wolfe said. “Students engaged with faculty
and peers in the math and writing program and worked on basic skills for those disciplines. In the afternoons
we had college success sessions where they learned everything from note-taking skills to how to access their
Montana Tech accounts online. We had sessions where they practiced listening to lectures and goal-setting.”

In addition to having academic-themed programming, the students also were included in a number of activities
to make them feel like they belonged on campus. Rock climbing and hiking were just a few things students did
to acclimate to the Butte community.

“They loved the trips,” North Wolfe said.

Abigail Seeger is a Highlands College freshman from Buckley, Washington with long-term goals to become a
midwife and own her own practice.

“I believe the SHARP program gave me a chance to become familiar with a teamwork setting again, as well as
get a feel for the type of environment Montana Tech has to offer,” Seeger said. “Additionally, I really enjoyed
being treated like an equal, and having the freedom to make choices for myself without having a double
consciousness about it. That is reassuring to me because I can apply myself where I know I can be useful in the
present and the future. I am learning not to be afraid of advocating for myself.”

North Wolfe calls the program a success.

“It’s our duty and privilege as college administrators to give students an experience that will benefit them while
they are here and into the future,” North Wolfe said. “We are looking forward to doing it again next year, and
seeing the impact this has on students in the years to come.”