Summer Program Eases Transition for SWIFT Students
By Marilyn Huerta
Cal State San Marcos welcomed 27 students to campus this summer for the inaugural SWIFT Summer Start, a five-week residential bridge program designed to smooth the transition to university life and set participants on a path toward accelerated bachelor’s degrees in health-related fields.
SWIFT, short for Scholars in Wellness and Innovation Fast-Track, is backed by a $10 million grant from Price Philanthropies Foundation. The initiative enables eligible students, including those who earned college credits in high school, to complete a bachelor’s degree in three years while gaining the skills and experience needed to address the region’s growing demand for behavioral health and social service professionals.
“This program is about more than speed – it’s about support, belonging and ensuring that students have the tools to succeed from day one,” said Martha Garcia, senior director of SWIFT. “SWIFT Summer Start creates a community of scholars who are ready to thrive academically, socially and personally.”
During the summer, students enrolled in First-Year Seminar with professor Russ Neuhart, with some also taking credit-bearing math and English courses. Outside the classroom, the program partnered with CSUSM’s Office of First-Year & University Programs to offer activities and workshops designed to build community, strengthen academic skills and familiarize students with campus resources.
Students said they appreciated that the program enabled them to acclimate to the campus, connect with their success coaches and create friendships with peers.
The inaugural SWIFT Summer Start cohort has been joined this fall by additional students admitted directly to the three-year degree pathway. Forty students in total will pursue degrees in either public health or human development (with a concentration in counseling), each receiving a $4,500 annual scholarship.
“SWIFT reflects CSUSM’s deep commitment to meeting the workforce needs of our region while expanding access and opportunity for our students,” said Jennifer Ostergren, dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Services. “Through its accelerated format, hands-on learning and strong support network, SWIFT prepares graduates to make an immediate and meaningful impact in their communities.”
During the program, students will participate in three summers of experiential learning and internships, earning professional certifications and gaining paid work experience that positions them to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation.
CSUSM’s innovative approach to launching SWIFT earned recognition at the recent “Devvies” awards, which honor standout higher education marketing and communication initiatives.
“This is just the beginning,” Garcia said. “We’re building a model for how higher education can respond quickly and effectively to both student needs and workforce demands.”
Media Contact
Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306