Building a Bridge to Bakersfield College

Bakersfield College (BC), one of California’s oldest community colleges, serves over 45,000 students annually, the majority of whom are low-income and Hispanic. Recognized for its equity-driven initiatives, BC has used federal Title V funding to address institutional barriers and improve student outcomes. One key initiative, "Bridge to BC," evolved from a two-week summer intensive academy to a one-day, in-person onboarding program. The program prepares first-time and returning students academically, socially, and personally for college, offering resources like academic advising, financial aid guidance, and skills workshops.

Bridge to BC participants consistently outperform their peers in key metrics, including persistence, course success, degree completion, and transfer rates. In 2023, the program served 2,921 students, representing 38.7% of incoming students, with 78.8% identifying as Hispanic. Participants are significantly more likely to complete transfer-level math and English in their first year and achieve higher credit momentum, persistence, and completion rates. These outcomes demonstrate BC’s success in fostering equity and student success through collaborative, data-driven efforts. Since the program’s inception, BC has scaled its impact and secured additional federal grants to further expand educational opportunities.

‍