Students in the Bridge Program receive one-on-one tutoring and classroom support.

Students who need to bring their basic skills to the college level can save time and money in the Austin Community College Bridge Program. Summer registration is currently under way, in time for students who want to enroll in ACC this fall.

The Bridge Program provides a low-cost alternative to developmental education classes for students who fall below reading, writing, or math standards set by the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). Successful completion of TSI standards is required in order to take college classes and earn a degree.

ACC offers a variety of Bridge classes. Before registering for the program, students must meet with an ACC advisor at any campus and take an assessment pre-test to determine eligibility. For more information, visit the Bridge Program website.

Bridge Classes

• COMPASS Math Workshop (3 hours, $10) – Review of skills tested on the state-approved COMPASS and ASSET math assessments.

• Developmental Reading Skills (30 hours, $20), Developmental Writing Skills (30 hours, $20), or Enhancing Math Skills (20 hours, $20) – Focused instruction in a single skill area.

• Intensive Skills Block (160 hours, $20, refundable upon attendance) – For students needing developmental instruction in all three skill areas. Classes run from June 7 to July 29.

Bridge Program FAQs

What impact does the Bridge Program have on the students’ college careers?
Statewide studies have shown that the students who score just below the TSI cutoff scores for reading, writing and math are the most successful. These students retest and a large percentage of them are able to move up to the next level class or become TSI complete.

Which students will get the most out of the program?

Overall, any student who scores just below the cutoff score in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics will get the most out of this program. These students will be allowed to retest for the COMPASS test after completing the Bridge class. If they score high enough, the student can move into College level courses or to the next level of developmental courses.

How can students find out if the program is right for them?

Students should meet with an advisor at any ACC campus. If the student has test scores just below the cutoff in one skill area, then the Bridge skills course is the right choice. If the student has test scores just below the cutoff in two or more skill areas, the Intensive Skills Block is the best course in which to enroll.

Is it available only certain times of the year?

The Bridge Program is most active during the summer semester, when many students want to get prepared for fall classes. But there are Enhancing Math Skills courses and Math COMPASS workshops held throughout the year.

How will this help a student get into non-developmental credit classes?

If the student scores high enough on the COMPASS placement test after completing the Bridge class, then the student will be able to register for college-level courses. The Bridge Program was designed to help the student move up to the next level course. That may be the next level of developmental course, or to the college-level course. Either way, the student saves time and money.