The mission of Student Bridges is to increase college access and success for underrepresented students by building partnerships with local schools and community organizations; offering college awareness, preparation and success activities; and advocating for enhanced institutional and public policies and practices.

In order to meet this mission, Student Bridges has four integrated components: 

1. College Preparatory Academic Tutoring-Mentoring:

Student Bridges hosts courses and internships that provide UMass students with academic credit to tutor-mentor participants at partner schools and programs in Holyoke, MA and Springfield, MA.

2. Community Outreach and College Awareness:

Student Bridges interns work with student groups, local schools, and community-based organizations to develop and implement college awareness and preparation workshops, trips to UMass, and community-based events.

3. Advocacy:

Student Bridges works with faculty, schools, community organizations, and national and local coalitions to advocate for policies and practices that support college access and success for under-represented students (including low-income students, first-generation students, and students of color). For more information about this component, visit the "Advocacy" section of our site.

4. Retention:

Student Bridges collaborates with Success Centers and Registered Student Organizations such as Freshman Achieving More for Undergraduate Success (FAMUS) to provide support and networks for underrepresented students enrolled at UMass.