JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — SUNY Jamestown Community College welcomed rising 10th grade students from Jamestown High School for a three-week Summer Bridge Program designed to prepare students for academic success in high school and beyond.
The program was a collaborative effort between JCC’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program, or GEAR UP, and Jamestown High School’s Smart Scholars Early College High School. The organizations brought together local resources and expertise to support students as they transition into more rigorous coursework.
Through a combination of academic enrichment, daily life skills workshops, hands-on activities, and volunteer opportunities, the participating students engaged in experiences that strengthened their study skills, fostered confidence, and introduced them to the resources available on a college campus. The program emphasized persistence, preparation, and planning for high school and future college or career pathways.
Riverwalk this summer.
Key partnerships made the program especially impactful.
The Jamestown Police Department's SWAT team and drone unit showcased its technology, giving students an inside look at specialized law enforcement operations. Seeing the police department’s drones in action brought to life the week-long drone soccer program, where students learned to program, build, and fly drones. This connection showed students how classroom learning translates to real-world applications.
Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union staff led financial literacy sessions, equipping students with practical money management and budgeting skills that will serve them throughout high school and beyond.
With the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, students volunteered at McCrea Point and the Greater Jamestown Riverwalk. They picked up trash and cleared invasive species such as Japanese knotweed, learning first-hand about environmental stewardship and the importance of protecting local natural resources.
“We are proud to partner with Jamestown High School and the Early College High School program to offer opportunities that inspire and motivate students,” said Nichole Segrue, JCC GEAR UP program director. “The Summer Bridge Program not only prepares students academically but also connects them to a supportive community that believes in their potential.”
The Summer Bridge Program reflects JCC GEAR UP’s ongoing mission to help students become college- and career-ready, while reinforcing the commitment of the Smart Scholars Early College High School partnership to expand access to higher education.
For more information about JCC GEAR UP and future opportunities, contact Segrue at NicholeSegrue@sunyjcc.edu or 716.338.1422.