HPU recently held Jumpstart, a new summer bridge program designed to introduce students to college and the resources that are available to them before the start of their first semester. Jumpstart was created as a part of the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

During the week, the students heard from current students, faculty members and staff from the offices of career services, financial aid, business and registrar. They also participated in a group coaching session on Wednesday afternoon and took a tour of campus. The students enjoyed time at Riverside Park where they kayaked and played games, and at HPU’s Outdoor Recreation Complex where they played pickleball and climbed the rock wall. All the events were coordinated by the staff of the Dr. Diann Rozell Huber Center for Student Success.

Micah Davis, an incoming freshman who participated in the program, found the weekend helpful. “They answered all of the questions I had and all of the questions I didn’t know I had,” he said.

Dr. Wendy McNeeley, assistant vice president for student success, expressed the importance of the week to incoming students.

“We wanted students who participated to walk away from the event knowing who they can go to and where those offices are located when they have questions in the fall,” she said. “We want the students to feel comfortable and confident as they begin their classes in a few weeks. This was a pilot program this year, but we hope to build on this event and offer it to more students next year.”

All the participants will be incoming students at HPU in the fall. Plans are underway for Jumpstart next summer. 

For more information about Howard Payne University, please visit www.hputx.edu.