CWC’s Bridge Program sees positive return
Launched in 2020, Central Wyoming College’s Bridge to College and Success program is marking its third year with noted success. The program’s aim is to support Latino students making the high-school-to-college transition. This year, 10 Bridge students were accepted from an applicant pool of 16.
These 10 students will start this fall semester with four college credits in hand and with better preparation for university coursework said Michell Rivas, CWC’s Bridge program coordinator at the Jackson Center in a news release.
Headquartered at the CWC Jackson Center in Teton County, the program known commonly as “Bridge” targets a handful of objectives over a month-long summer schedule, including strengthening English language skills for college-level work, kick-starting college orientation experiences, and offering both internships and job shadowing to lay groundwork for employment based on a student’s college studies.
Not every Bridge student needs an English language boost, but those who take advantage of it see the benefit.
Bridge enrolls students in three typical first-year college classes, free of charge, something student Danny Huerta-Tzompa appreciated.
“That made the Bridge program beneficial for me,” said Huerta-Tzompa, a 2022 Jackson Hole High School graduate. “I feel like I am more prepared for college than I was when I graduated high school.”
Bridge “helped me grow as a person and as a student,” he added.
CWC-Jackson has supported second language community members for years through its English as a Second Language program. Both Bridge and ESL are among programs that help CWC-Jackson produce job-ready graduates that support local businesses, according to CWC.
At St. John’s Health, CWC training is a proven resource for a major employer.
“Each year, we count on hiring new CWC graduates, and also have existing employees continue their education through multiple programs at CWC,” said hospital Human Resources Director Thom Kinney. “I so appreciate having a local partner that provides a high quality education, and has taken the time to really understand our staffing needs.”
CWC boasts more than 60 majors, meta majors and degree programs, as well as certificates offered by the college.
“There are so many opportunities at Central Wyoming College,” said Rachel Hofer, director of admissions and a CWC alumna, in a news release. “We offer everything from taking a few classes, earning a certificate or degree, athletics, and getting involved.”
CWC programs include Associate of Arts and Associate of Science options, with highly sought-after programs like early childhood education and nursing.
For students who wish to continue their undergraduate education without leaving the area, CWC now offers two new bachelor of applied science degrees in early childhood education and organizational management and leadership. Organizational management and leadership includes tribal leadership, business and entrepreneurial leadership and outdoor leadership specialization options.
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