For all first-year students, the transition to living and studying at a four-year residential college can be filled with nerves. But for students whose parents did not navigate a similar experience, the moment carries additional uncertainty. That’s why Randolph-Macon’s 2026 Summer Bridge Program sought to close that gap for 26 first-generation students from the Class of 2030.

“As a first-generation student myself, I see how this cohort experience helps build a solid foundation of belonging before that college journey begins,” explained Associate Provost and Dean for Student Success Tiffany Birdsong. “This program is a stellar example of the Randolph-Macon community coming together across campus for a truly exceptional level of student support.”

RMC received funds from a State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) grant to help kick off five days of programming for this cohort. While the framework for college may seem obvious (go to class, get good grades, graduate with a degree), the Summer Bridge Program focused on the “hidden curriculum,” all the supplemental tasks and challenges that make up a college experience. How do I manage my time? How do I take care of my physical well-being? How do I build relationships? Without a parent’s experience to lean on, first-generation students can struggle to navigate it all.

This included sessions on resources available to students, career readiness, and advice from faculty on how to navigate academics. The experience, a collaborative effort from the College’s Center for Student Success, Office of Admissions, and Student Engagement Center, also featured a trip to Kings Dominion and other opportunities to connect with fellow students.

Zakia Coley ’30 felt the connection of the RMC community when she moved in on Friday, Aug. 28 and got to know her Captains, student mentors with whom she’ll continue to interact throughout her first year and beyond. “It was really fun, they were welcoming and engaging,” she remarked. Many students expressed an eagerness to make new friends, especially with fellow students who were coming to RMC with similar background experiences.

RMC President Michael Hill spoke with the group and shared his own experiences as a first-generation student, relating to the extra pressure that students may feel. He told the assembled group that he questioned if he’d make it at college at all at first, and described his experience at a small liberal arts college as transformative. “We look forward to learning what your dreams are,” he concluded.

The Summer Bridge experience wrapped up with a session where the students reflected on what they had learned. Students shared that they were nervous at the beginning but felt themselves coming out of their comfort zones as the program progressed. They also cited a deeper understanding of campus resources and growing confidence in what they could achieve.

“I found it easier to put myself in uncomfortable situations,” said Grant French ’30. “Knowing that I had a group of people that I could talk to, that I could laugh with, that I could have fun with.”