Students enroll in Summerbridge for a period of 14 months, committing to participate in two Summer Programs and a School Year Program in between. Students also have the opportunity to participate in Sponsor Engagement activities and meet different professionals working in Hong Kong. Upon their graduation from Summerbridge, students have the option of returning to Summerbridge to become leaders in the program while further enhancing their English skills. All programs are tuition-free, and aim to provide opportunities to students without resources who need it most. Learn more about our programs below.
The centerpiece of our work is the Summer Program. Following the Summerbridge model of “students teaching students”, older students from around the world come together to provide a unique 5-week summer experience for younger local students. For student teachers, the program lasts 8 weeks, with the additional 3 weeks dedicated to teacher training, summer preparation, and post-summer evaluation. Highlights include the following:
Summerbridge is an English-only environment, and an ideal place for students to improve their English communication skills. Whether in class or during casual conversation, students dedicate themselves to practicing the language by speaking only in English with their peers and teachers.
Students learn new and interesting subjects at Summerbridge, like Psychology, Theater, and Astronomy. With only 8 to 10 students per class, Summerbridge classes are designed to give students many opportunities to share ideas, ask questions, and expand their creativity. Lessons are highly interactive, and cater to the individual learning styles and interests of students. At the same time, student teachers employ English language development techniques to help each student continue building their language skills.
Besides academic study skills, life skills are heavily emphasized at Summerbridge. The goals of self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership are built into every aspect of the program, including classes, performances, and special events. Students are presented with opportunities every day to experience and build on these skills. The skills built here are indispensable for students in school and beyond.
The Summerbridge environment is uniquely shaped by the different backgrounds and cultures of the student teachers who arrive each summer. The Summer Program becomes an exchange of diverse perspectives and provides students and student teachers alike a place to engage in meaningful conversations that broaden their view of the world.
The Summerbridge model offers the opportunity for student teachers to give back to the community in a powerful and emphatic way, by becoming role models to younger students. Student teachers come to realize the influence they can have in the community, while students discover a place to find inspiration, and in turn, believe that they can take ownership of their own education.
