Bridge Initiative Helps Students Transition to College-Level Courses

For many students, the path to a college degree begins with additional preparation in math or English. At San Antonio College (SAC), the Bridge Initiative provides that critical support, helping students strengthen their skills, meet state readiness requirements, and move into credit-bearing courses with confidence.

Meeting Students Where They Are
All Texas college students must demonstrate readiness for college-level work through the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). For those who do not yet meet the benchmark scores, SAC’s Bridge Initiative offers structured pathways that shorten the time spent in developmental education.

Instead of taking multiple semesters of remedial courses, students can complete focused eight-week classes that combine instruction, practice, and support. The approach allows many students to complete developmental requirements and begin credit-bearing coursework within the same semester.

How It Works
The program uses different strategies depending on the subject:

• Math: Students work with ALEKS, an adaptive software that diagnoses which skills they’ve mastered and where they need more support. This personalized approach means students can move quickly through familiar material while focusing on areas that need improvement.
• English: Students begin with four weeks of concentrated preparation to retake the TSI. Those who meet the standard move on to additional writing support. That support takes two forms: focused writing workshops led by our dedicated INRW tutors, and EdReady, an educational software that students can participate in at their own.

In both subjects, students benefit from embedded tutors, academic advising, and the encouragement of faculty who specialize in developmental education.

Why It Matters
Bridge courses help students build momentum early in their college journey. Data shows that while many students pass developmental courses, fewer go on to enroll in the next required math or English class. The Bridge Initiative addresses this gap by accelerating readiness, reducing barriers, and giving students the tools to succeed in their degree programs.

This is especially important for STEM majors, who must complete advanced math sequences before progressing to physics, engineering, or computer science. By moving students more efficiently through prerequisites, SAC helps them stay on track for graduation and transfer.

A Culture of Support
Faculty leadership and grant support from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) have strengthened the initiative, providing resources for curriculum design, faculty training, and embedded student support. Instructors from disciplines across campus collaborate to ensure students receive not only academic instruction but also the confidence to succeed.

The Bridge Initiative is one example of SAC’s broader commitment to student success: identifying barriers, rethinking traditional models, and building programs that meet students where they are.

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