SpringForward, a strategic academic success initiative for rising second-year students who have faced challenges in their transition to college, successfully completed its 2025 Summer Enrichment Program. The full summer experience provided by SpringForward demonstrated significant success in boosting student academic performance, fostering a sense of belonging, and strengthening the foundation for long-term student retention.
This summer, SpringForward welcomed a cohort of 96 rising sophomores, selected through a holistic review process that saw applications increase by 35% across all six Ohio State campuses. The Summer Enrichment Program was delivered virtually, strategically allowing participants to continue their academic progress while managing other essential responsibilities, such as work or family.
Self-reflection, clarity and increased well-being
A core component of the program was the required one-credit-hour course, EXP 2100, which focused on essential skills for success both inside and outside the classroom, including goal setting, resilience, clarifying career pathways, and financial and personal well-being.
Students reported the self-reflective nature of the coursework was key to their growth:
- "I appreciated having a course that made me intrinsically focus on myself and make me self-reflect." —a Political Science student
- "My favorite part of the EXP 2100 course was the opportunity to speak with the SpringForward staff and my major advisor. Incentivizing these meetings gave me very powerful insights that I wouldn't have learned had they not been mandatory.” —an Aerospace Engineering student
To reinforce coordinated care, students were required to meet multiple times with SpringForward staff and their major advisors, achieving an outstanding 99% participation rate in these key engagement opportunities. Students were offered the chance to participate in six events over the summer that built upon the experience they were having in the classroom, allowing for deeper learning and peer engagement.
Measurable results show transformative impact
The program’s proactive investment in student development yielded immediate, measurable academic success that directly supports the university's retention goals.
- GPA surge: The average term GPA for the 2025 SpringForward cohort saw a dramatic rise, jumping from 2.94 in Spring 2025 to 3.40 for Summer 2025.
- Targeted success: The 31 students who began the program with an average cumulative GPA under 2.6 achieved an average GPA increase of 20.9% over the summer.
- Confidence and belonging: Survey data showed consistent, positive growth across all key measures, especially in students' confidence to "Work effectively towards long term goals," their "Seek help when necessary" behaviors, and their strengthened "Feel like I belong at OSU.”
Furthermore, the university backed this success with a significant commitment, providing over $85,000 in scholarship support for students, covering summer tuition and offering autumn success scholarships.
Early Arrival Program launches second year with purpose
The summer experience culminated in the SpringForward Early Arrival Program in August, which brought 49 students back to campus to set intentions for the second year and re-establish a supportive network.
The Early Arrival Program went beyond a simple orientation, focusing on personal growth and purpose. Students engaged in Ikigai mapping, encouraging them to reflect on their strengths, interests and purpose to find a meaningful direction in life. They also created Wellness Vision Boards showcasing their goals across the 10 Dimensions of Wellness.
The community building and focus on purpose were significant takeaways for participants:
- "My favorite part of this event was the community engagement activities, because it allowed me to meet plenty of people in SpringForward for the first time in person. These activities also helped break the ice and connected me with so many people." —a Plant Pathology student
- "My favorite part of [the] EAP was learning about how to become a better student and more about my purpose, and why I belong at OSU." —a Pre-Health Sciences student
Ultimately, the Early Arrival Program achieved its goal of ensuring students start the year with clarity, confidence and a strong sense of belonging — making them more likely to continue their journey toward graduation.