On Monday, June 9, Palm Beach State College welcomed 175 students to its fourth annual NexGen Summer Bridge Program at the Lake Worth campus.
This two-week program supports first-time freshmen, many of whom are first-generation college students, by providing academic, financial and personal guidance to help them navigate higher education.
Hosted by the Dr. Carey-Shuler Student Success Center in collaboration with TRIO Student Support Services, the program aims to enhance the first-year experience at Palm Beach State College and expand access and educational opportunities for first-time-in-college students. The program features a variety of dynamic speakers, workshops and activities designed to prepare students for their college journey.
Kicking off the program, English Professor Allan Nosworthy spoke to students about his background, experiences living in Alaska and the importance of being prepared to face challenges with the correct tools.
“Your college education is a tool. You have to know how to leverage this thing toward your advantage in life,” Nosworthy said. “The great news is you are now surrounded by an army of people who want to help you figure it out.”
After Nosworthy’s session, students attended a NextGen Alumni Panel, where recent alumni reflected on their experiences, discussed how the program helped them succeed and shared advice with current participants.
Richeley Cajuste, who completed the program in 2023, credits it with helping him network and learn important skills, such as how to apply for financial aid and pay for classes.
Jocelin Escalante-Miguel, who completed the program in 2024, agreed. “Coming to the program really helped me, and it opened my eyes to see how many resources are available,” Escalante-Miguel said. “Thanks to the help of all the advisors here, I was able to plan my academic journey.”
Both Cajuste and Escalante-Miguel will be transferring to the University of Florida in the fall.
The NextGen Summer Bridge Program will run through Wednesday, June 18. In the coming days, students will participate in workshops on campus resources, career pathways at PBSC, financial and educational planning, as well as meet faculty and staff who will play a key role in their college journey.
These activities will help students build confidence, gain valuable knowledge and create connections that will benefit them during their first year and beyond.
For more information on PBSC’s NextGen Summer Bridge, visit www.pbsc.edu/summer-programs/summer-bridge.
