Bridge to Success (BTS) is an initiative conceived by the African American Achievement Council in collaboration with Omaha Public Schools and area colleges and universities. The program provides high school students with an opportunity to have an on-campus experience while in high school. Students enroll in courses designed to promote student success by enhancing study skills and exposing them to college curriculum and resources. The BTS program provides a seamless transition for students from high school into college as well as prepares them to meet the academic expectations of colleges and universities. Classes are offered during MCC’s Winter and Spring quarters. Additionally, students may take an optional course during the Summer quarter.

Students also have an opportunity to take an optional course during the summer session.  The selected course may be an introduction in their program area or a general education course for credit that may transfer to another institution.  Students need to meet with our academic advisors regarding transfer courses and credit transferability, or courses requiring a prerequisite.

To become an eligible candidate, students must attend an information session held at one of Metro’s campuses.  They must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Students will receive an application and respond to essay questions.  Applications must be submitted to the Office of Special Projects & Accountability at OPS/TAC building by the deadline specified at the session.  Selection is based on answers provided to the essay questions.

The Bridge to Success program, sponsored by the African American Achievement Council, the Native American Achievement Council, and the Latino/Hispanic Council, is a collaborative effort between Omaha Public Schools and Metropolitan Community College. 

The program is free to eligible participants, with the Councils providing scholarships to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and MAT bus transportation (if needed).  The Councils also provide scholarships for students to take a class of their choice during the summer (i.e. English, Math, Culinary Arts, Criminal Justice, etc...)

The program is not being offered during the 2009-10 academic year, but will be back for 2010-11. 

College Success Strategy courses

RDLS 0100 Reading Strategies

This course provides reading improvement instruction for the student who needs to reach college-level proficiency.  Students will improve comprehension, vocabulary, and rate using a variety of materials and software.  Students will learn to read college texts more effectively.  Students are provided a general college orientation, which includes a support system to promote success.

RDLS 1150 College Vocabulary

This course is designed to help students broaden their vocabulary in order to communicate more effectively in their academic, professional, and personal lives.  Topics of study include:  Latin and Greek roots; prefixes and suffixes often found in English words, context clues, often confused words (homonyms), content area vocabulary, and higher-level descriptive and action words needed for successful college-level writing.

RDLS 1160 Rapid Reading

This course is for the learner who wishes to improve the rate at which s/he processes written language.  It is a self-paced, individualized program of study featuring the use of computer software.  The course can be completed in the learning centers at Elkhorn Valley, Fort Omaha, South Omaha, Fremont and Sarpy as the student’s schedule allows.  Students may be able to double their reading rates during the term.  They will learn techniques for increasing reading efficiency and flexibility, including skimming and scanning.

RDLS 1200 Student Success Strategies
The purpose of this course is to facilitate and promote student success.  The student is exposed to learning strategies focused on the classroom (test taking, note taking, time management, etc.) and beyond (changing habits, personal responsibility, etc.).  The student is introduced to tools which will help him/her grow academically, personally, and professionally.

For more information, please contact Monica Beasley mbeasley@mccneb.edu or the Office of Special Projects and Accountability (OPS/TAC) at 557-4471.