DMSF has delivered Summer Bridge to offer new Murphy Scholars enrichment in the core academic subjects necessary for their success in high school as well as activities that will support them to build strong habits during high school.
Each day of the first week of Summer Bridge begins with Advisory, where members of the DMSF Education team lead discussions among groups of Scholars attending the same school and offering safe space to share on topics of character, leadership, voice, and style. During the second week, each day of the program begins with a Wellness course. Summer Bridge’s five daily classes (Habits and Strategies, Language for Scholars, Leadership, Ignite Writing, and Why Math?) are between 60 and 75 minutes long, and each has its own set of goals focused on teaching Scholars a variety of tools. A book study element is also included. Over the course of the two weeks, Scholars engage in two book discussions and an author talk, with topics from the book infused throughout the curriculum.
Each day of the first week of Summer Bridge begins with Advisory, where members of the DMSF Education team lead discussions among groups of Scholars attending the same school and offering safe space to share on topics of character, leadership, voice, and style. During the second week, each day of the program begins with a Wellness course. Summer Bridge’s five daily classes (Habits and Strategies, Language for Scholars, Leadership, Ignite Writing, and Why Math?) are between 60 and 75 minutes long, and each has its own set of goals focused on teaching Scholars a variety of tools. A book study element is also included. Over the course of the two weeks, Scholars engage in two book discussions and an author talk, with topics from the book infused throughout the curriculum.
In Habits and Strategies, Scholars explore skills necessary for high school success and beyond, including note-taking, reading and annotating, exam preparation, mono-tasking, discussion skills, goal-setting, time management, organization, and other academic behaviors. Through Language for Scholars, students improve real-world communication skills to become confident speakers and more adept at self-advocacy. The program harnesses participants’ natural talent and helps them communicate more effectively. During Ignite, Scholars revisit writing fundamentals, develop the habits of a writer, and begin to explore their voices. The course steers participants toward concepts and prompts that will help build their confidence and enjoyment as writers. Why Math? was added to Summer Bridge this year after feedback from survey and other data collection indicated that Murphy Scholars tended to struggle with the higher math concepts at their college preparatory schools. Therefore, this course is focused on the math concepts and mindsets needed for first-year students to advance to the next level of their mathematics education.
DMSF collaborates with established partners (Educational Endeavors, Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development, L.E.A.P, and Peer Health Exchange) to deliver the robust and research-based instruction that defines Summer Bridge. The two weeks culminate with Scholar debates, a talent show, and final celebration where Scholars reflect on their growth and accomplishments.
For more information on Summer Bridge, to observe next summer or to support this transformative program, please contact [email protected].
For more information on Summer Bridge, to observe next summer or to support this transformative program, please contact [email protected].