School of Engineering Helps Incoming Students With ALEKS Exam

The School of Engineering's annual summer Bridge Program at Wilbur Wright College is helping incoming high school graduates and community college students prepare for careers in engineering and computer science before the fall semester begins.

The free program focuses on helping students with their math and chemistry skills while also preparing them for the ALEKS placement exam, according to Professor Murg, who has been involved with the program since 2003.

The program is run by the Districtwide Dean for the School of Engineering, Dr. Doris Espiritu.

Espiritu’s goal was, “to help students that come from high school, and feel they don't cover the basics of math and chemistry that well.” According to Murg.

“The program is based on a 3 step approach system, math, chemistry , and the ALEKS exam as a constant pusher to help them increase their skills." Murg added, "In the math session they also receive work sheets that they can solve which helps push them even more and develop their skills.” 

To make the program accessible, Murg said that Espiritu secured grants that allow students to participate at no cost while providing a small tuition award upon completing the program.

According to Murg, the program has expanded significantly over the years, “each campus has its own cohort of around 100 students.” Murg said.

Oscar Martinez, an 18-year-old incoming engineering freshmen, said “The math part is the most difficult, the lessons are really long and very complicated, and there are a lot of numbers, so you have to make sure you are paying attention every second or else you lose track.” 

Despite the challenge, Martinez said that he would recommend the program to other incoming freshmen, “They help you a lot to get far in school, they also give you a lot of services that you can't get on your own.”

Bryan Pantoja, a mechanical engineering student, said the program “exceeded” his expectations.

"My first impression of Dr. E was very nice, but had high standards and expectations,” Pantoja said, “I thought it was gonna be easy, but the chemistry is interesting because I haven't done it in a while, and the math is good review.”

Pantoja said "I don't think most students know this exists.”

In order to raise awareness Pantoja suggested that, “ A social media presence would help, in this era where social media is prominent in young culture and helps inform about community colleges and their opportunities.”

You can find more information on the Bridge program at engineering.ccc.edu.

Photo taken during Bridge program meeting. Photo credits: Oscar Martinez