Bridge to Success is a two-tier program combining the College's Summer Bridge Program with Introduction to Workplace Readiness, a Cuesta College cooperative work experience class. The program is intended to provide training in employment search and retention, a solid academic curriculum, and an interactive college experience for at-risk high school students. Participants enroll in Work Experience
10, a course offered at a variety of countywide locations, including Arroyo Grande High School, Atascadero High School, Morro Bay High School, Paso Robles High School, and San Luis Obispo High School. Students are recruited from area high schools, community and continuation schools, the probation department, the Independent Living Program and Foster Youth Services, and a number of other community programs serving youth. Participants earn three Cuesta elective units, up to 10 high school credits, and upon completion are awarded a clothing voucher to be used for work and school-appropriate clothes. Graduates are encouraged to apply for the Summer Bridge Program, which provides a second level of opportunity and experience for the participants. Qualified applicants who have completed the Introduction to Workplace Readiness course are chosen to participate in Summer Bridge, where they enroll in two college level courses and are placed in an on-campus job for the duration of the Summer semester. Students earn additional Cuesta units and high school credits, and are paid for a 6-hour workday. Twenty-eight students graduated from the Bridge Program in Summer 2008.
