The University of Arizona is renewing its long-running New Start summer bridge program to help Tucson students make a smoother and more confident transition to college before the fall semester begins.

Offered in partnership with select Tucson-area high schools, the residential program helps incoming first-year students build academic confidence, strengthen college readiness skills, develop connections and become familiar with campus resources before beginning their first semester at the university.

Students admitted to the U of A from Cholla, Desert View, Pueblo, Sunnyside and other local high schools have received invitations to participate in the program.

"New Start reflects the University of Arizona's commitment to success for every student and our broader enrollment strategy focused on preparedness, progression and graduation with as little debt as possible and strong career outcomes," said Kris Wong Davis, vice president for Enrollment Management and dean of admission. "By partnering directly with Tucson-area high schools and connecting students early with academic support, mentorship and campus resources, we are creating a stronger launching pad for long-term student success at the university and beyond."

Decades of student support

Since it began more than 50 years ago, New Start has supported more than 14,000 students as they begin their university journey. The 2026 program is expected to serve approximately 100 to 150 students and will run from July 11 through Aug. 7, with instruction taking place July 12 through Aug. 6.

University leaders say the updated model preserves the heart of the program while strengthening its focus on academic preparedness, transition support and long-term student success.

The residential summer experience combines peer mentoring, tutoring, transition workshops and structured campus engagement to help students adjust academically and socially to university life. Participants live on campus and receive support from instructors, tutors, staff members and peer mentors throughout the experience.

As part of the program's renewal, the university is offering New Start at no cost to participating students, including housing, parking and other core participation expenses.  

"New Start gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and fully embrace the college experience," said Ernesto Jacobo, a University of Arizona graduate and former New Start participant. "The friendships, skills and support I gained helped me succeed during my first year and shaped the path I chose afterward. It inspired me to continue working with students and pursue my goal of becoming a counselor."

A major focus of the refreshed program is math readiness. Students will participate in daily math instruction that includes project-based learning, structured practice, individualized coaching and progress tracking designed to strengthen foundational skills before the fall semester begins.

Program updates

The updated program also includes writing and academic literacy, tutoring, transition workshops and structured study support designed to strengthen students' readiness for their first year.

"Students who arrive on campus with a stronger understanding of expectations, resources and support systems are better positioned to succeed from day one," said Alex Underwood, University Registrar. "New Start helps create that foundation before the semester beings."

University officials say the redesigned approach places greater emphasis on the skills and behaviors most closely associated with student success, including academic preparedness, time management, college-level writing, resource navigation and early engagement with support services.

The updated model will provide clearer ways to evaluate program impact through measures such as student engagement, course completion, math progress and fall retention outcomes.

In addition to academic preparation, New Start includes mentoring opportunities, social activities and community-building experiences designed to help students develop friendships and a sense of belonging before the broader student population arrives on campus for the fall semester.

University officials emphasized that the invitation strategy is intended to strengthen partnerships with Tucson-area schools and support local students who may benefit most from early academic and transition support.

New Start reflects the university's commitment to expanding opportunity for Arizona students and strengthening pathways from Southern Arizona communities to long-term academic and career success at Arizona's land-grant university.

"Programs like New Start help students arrive on campus already knowing they belong here," Wong Davis said. "That early sense of confidence, connection and support can have a lasting impact on a student's college experience and future success."