Jesuit Summer Bridge

Jesuit Summer Bridge is a program for middle school boys dedicated specifically to making an impact on local middle school students in an instructive and nurturing environment. 

Founded in 2011, the 5-week JSB program, which typically begins in early June, is led by Jesuit High School faculty and staff and is supported by Jesuit student counselors. It is packed with learning, activities, and fun. The program customarily registers about 50 boys from two dozen Hillsborough County public schools, charter schools, and private schools, to experience the comprehensive summer program.

Each morning includes focused academic instruction in three areas – math, critical thinking, and language arts – plus a half-hour daily reading period, mixed with an array of electives such as science and art. The electives recently have included chemistry demonstrations with JSB principal Jonathan Barlaan '07, one of Jesuit's science teachers, and drawing with Kevin Ball '03, Jesuit's art department head.

Each week at JSB also comes with its own designated theme, such as Brotherhood and Leadership. JSB starts each day with the "Prayer for Generosity," and each class is assigned a book to read during their reading periods and discuss during language arts class. The students are tested in each JSB subject area at the beginning and end of the program, demonstrating their improvement every summer. JSB concludes each July with a graduation ceremony.

While JSB provides an opportunity for middle schoolers to continue to boost their academics over the summer, it also allows them to meet new friends from different schools. Each day ends with an elective – many choose activities like football, kickball, or strategic board games, and Jesuit students and recent alumni serve as JSB counselors. View below a sideshow from Jesuit Summer Bridge 2022. For information or to register for Jesuit Summer Bridge, contact Steve Matesich at smatesich@jesuittampa.org.