Summer Bridge Programs for Engineering Students: A Systematic Literature Review

Introduction: Engineering programs continue to struggle with attracting and retaining students from underrepresented groups. A variety of programs seek to improve equity in engineering programs, including summer bridge programs, which involve students transitioning in their studies, usually from high school to college. Summer bridge programs can vary dramatically in terms of time commitment, content, goals, and program evaluation methods. Objective: The main purpose of this study is to explore the question, What does previous research indicate about engineering summer bridge programs? Methods: Research studies involving engineering summer bridge programs (n = 72) were analyzed in this systematic literature review. Results: Our findings indicate that summer bridge programs for engineering students often (1) focus on calculus skills, (2) have the goal of encouraging retention of minoritized students, and (3) occur in tandem with other interventions. While some studies use rigorous methods to assess program outcomes, other studies are more akin to experience reports. Conclusion: Our findings present a landscape of research on summer bridge programs, including significant gaps in what is known about program efficacy.