ABSTRACT

This chapter presents and describes a model practice that exposes Latina/o students to higher education, as well as enhances skills and knowledge needed to effectively transition, negotiate, and thrive in higher education. The model practice, the Summer Transition Program (STP), is actualized as an extensive 6-week opportunity that is strategically designed to support diverse college students, with an intentional focus on minority and first-generation college students. This program is administered at a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), and illustrates how a holistic and collaborative approach to advancing student engagement can positively impact the college decision-making process and early college performance of Latina/o students and other students of color.