Each summer, a new class of students prepares to begin their journeys in some of the district’s most rigorous STEM-focused high school programs. For nearly 700 incoming ninth graders, the path begins not on the first day of school — but three weeks earlier, with the First Steps to Success Summer Bridge Program.
This virtual, invitation-only experience is designed to prepare students entering the Aerospace Engineering & Aviation Technology and Science & Technology specialty programs at Charles H. Flowers, Eleanor Roosevelt, Oxon Hill, and DuVal High Schools. The program blends academic preparation with peer connections and real-world STEM exposure, laying the groundwork for a confident transition into high school.
Over three weeks, students engage in daily hands-on projects in science, math, and engineering and explore high school readiness strategies — from study skills to navigating new social dynamics. Guest speakers, including STEM professionals and university researchers, provide students a window into future possibilities.
This year’s experience culminated in the Innovators of Tomorrow Competition at the University of Maryland (UMD), where students pitched prototypes and took on engineering challenges amid a backdrop of school spirit: students donned colorful gear, chanted with pride, and even brought mascots to rally their teams!
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See the Innovators of Tomorrow Competition in action!
Dubbed “STEMathletes,” the student teams tackled real-world problems in challenges designed and judged by UMD engineering students. Their solutions showcased the collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking sharpened during Summer Bridge.
Eleanor Roosevelt High School took home top honors at this year’s competition.
The summer bridge program continues to show strong outcomes, with attendance rates nearing 96%, measurable academic growth from pre- to post-assessment, and a notable boost in student confidence.
But for many students, the lasting impact is personal.
“I met my best friend at Summer Bridge,” one participant shared. “Without it, I would’ve been lost my freshman year.”
