Every summer, hundreds of ESUHSD graduates participate in learning modules for everything from scheduling courses to mapping majors, working with advisors, and making peer connections. Prior to the pandemic, SESP students also participated in a full-day program of breakout sessions and campus tours at SJSU.
These programs are led by East Side school counselors working with undergraduate admissions staff at SJSU, with support from dozens of current SJSU students and fellow East Side graduates who step up to mentor incoming students.
Over the past six years, the SESP Summer Program has supported more than 1,600 East Side graduates in their transition to SJSU.
A record 292 students participated the 2023 Summer Program from June 20-23. Following a post-pandemic model, the program was split between in-person and virtual sessions, with specific topics and orientations each day:
- Day 1 - Academic Preparation (College Presentations and Campus Tour)
- Day 2 - My Spartan Schedule (E-Advising Tools Overview and Campus Life)
- Day 3 - Special Topic Session and Sparta Camp Reminders
- Day 4 - 1:1 Peer Mentor Meetings
Nearly 90% of students surveyed found the program to be helpful as they navigated into the new waters of higher education. Here's what one of them had to say:
“It was really helpful to get a list of everything I need to complete ensuring that I don’t miss anything, and I also really enjoyed learning more about the fun but safe ways of enjoying college.”
The 2024 SESP Summer Program will be held June 3-6.
For more information about the Summer Program, please contact Spartan East Side Promise Program Lead Amanda Aldama Fernandes at [email protected] or (408) 924-2554. And follow @sjsu_sesp on Instagram!