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In an innovative move that will admit talented students from regional community colleges to Sarah Lawrence, the College has established the Sarah Lawrence Bridges program. The program, which includes partnerships with Westchester Community College and Bronx Community College, guarantees full funding of tuition and fees for two students from each community college to earn a bachelor’s degree at SLC. The first four transfer students began their studies at the College last fall.
Melissa Frazier, associate dean of the College, is the don for the two students from Westchester Community College, Esmeralda Arias ’23 and Marisa Johns ’23.
“Esmeralda is a non-traditional student in her early 30s who is working toward a career in education. She has two kids and also works as a nanny, and she is a remarkable person,” says Melissa. “She’s very focused and at the same time truly open and joyful in her learning.”
Marisa initially felt apprehensive about meeting high expectations for herself, but Melissa remarked that her first conference project in her psychology class was a real validation of her work: “My colleagues say she knocked it out of the park.”
Marisa has already met with faculty in the Art of Teaching program to learn more about pursuing that avenue. “I think my two donnees are being lifted out of themselves, and they are so excited to give,” Melissa says. “They want to stretch themselves.”
Lyde Cullen Sizer, the Margot C. Bogert Distinguished Service Chair, is don to two students from Bronx Community College, Ashante Martin ’23 and Ashleigh Bonnick ’23. “It’s a whole new world for these students, like opening a door,” Lyde says. “It’s not just college, it’s Sarah Lawrence College. Rather than endless assessments, they’re being asked to look more deeply at the meaning of the ideas they are exploring.”
Lewis Largent ’11 feels that Sarah Lawrence gave him an opportunity when he chose to go to college as a nontraditional student. Programs like these “widen the net and allow more students to access this transformative education,” says Lewis, who was inspired by the Bridges program to make a gift to the College. “I hope it will enrich the learning environment for all students, in which a variety of viewpoints are presented and thrive.”
Taking stock of her experience so far at SLC, Esmeralda says her first semester was terrific. “I enjoyed the small classes, engaging content, and personal relationships I’ve built with my professors,” she says. “The entire College community has helped me strengthen my critical thinking skills and unlock my creativity.”