Kickstart to Calculus: How 8 Students Conquered the Calculus Curve this Summer - Crafton Hills College

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Publish Date: Sept. 4, 2026

Students at Kickstart to Calculus

This summer, Crafton’s classroom CNTL 238 became the meeting ground for a group of eight determined students to prepare themselves to excel in the upcoming year. From July 27th to August 6th, the Mesa Program and the Mathematics department teamed up to launch Kickstart to Calculus—an eight-day summer bridge pilot program designed to help STEM students jump straight into Calculus I with confidence.

The eight-day summer bridge experience brought together a now tight-knit cohort of eight STEM students, supported by mathematics professors Danielle Bell, Shirley Juan, and Jillian Robertson, alongside tutors Justin, Thalia, Isaac, and Brandon. "Having several professors and tutors was very helpful,” one student shared. 

The program blended academic preparation with community building and campus resource awareness. Each day’s activities ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., kicking off with an engaging morning community-building activity to relax and motivate students. In one uniquely meaningful standout moment, student Francisco Lagos led his peers in a relaxing sound bath. 

Students spent their afternoons in small group collaborative problem-solving sessions, with one group member exclaiming, "Group work was awesome... it helped to see things you missed." Lunch breaks featured presentations from the college’s student resources, including the STEM Center, EOP&S, Basic Needs, Health and Wellness, Financial Aid, and Counseling, highlighting the support that comes with being a Crafton student. 

By the end of the two weeks, anxiety was replaced by true academic readiness. As another student reflected, "I feel more comfortable with the concepts covered. It was a great re-introduction to some of the concepts that I will see for many, many years." With new mathematical skills and a built-in peer support network, these eight students are ready to conquer Calculus I this academic year.

For more information about the STEM Center, visit craftonhills.edu/stem