AES Summer Experience 2025 | September 2025
Fifty-eight in-coming first year students started their college experience at RIT early, thanks to the Division of Access, Engagement, and Success Summer Experience. They’re part of the Center for Engagement and Student Success, Rochester City Scholars and the Higher Education Opportunity Program at RIT. Each had an opportunity to earn six college credits toward their degree, build confidence by interacting with faculty and staff and create bonds with other students - all before the fall semester begins.
Being able to get a “jump-start” on college life is a big plus for students. Holly Gallo, associate director, Engagement and Student Success says, “Students interact with many campus partners during the four-week program, explore the campus, and as a result, become leaders among their peers in the fall because they return for orientation feeling confident, capable of success, and motivated to continue this positive trajectory from the summer.”
Jessica Saltzberg, program director HEOP agrees. She says, “The AES summer experience offers our students a real sneak peek into the next four to five years. They get to know campus, each other, their support teams and so much more!”
There are a lot of pieces to this program and a lot of people needed to make sure it all fits. That work is headed up by Gallo, Saltzberg, and professional staff in their respective programs. Assisting: peer advisors, resident coordinators and a host of other campus partners.
Students spent mornings and afternoons in class with RIT faculty members Anthony Martellotta, Ephraim Agyingi, Makini Beck, David Yockel, Emma Duncan, and Gregory Lattanzio. Evenings were set aside for study and tutoring, but it wasn’t all work. Students went to the Red Barn where they got to hang out with RIT President William Sanders and they also went to Camp Stella Maris.
Looking back, both Gallo and Saltzberg call this year’s program a success and looking ahead to what students will experience? “They come back for orientation a little more confident in their ability to succeed, with friends, and knowing they have a whole campus of people cheering for their every win and to lean on for every challenge. They all did a masterful job this summer and I can’t wait to see what they do next!"