Higher education institutions have been grappling with significant enrollment declines and have urgently implemented retention strategies to sustain their student populations amid shifting demographics and economic challenges (American Association of Community Colleges, 2023; Hanover Research, 2021). However, these programs often neglect the development of students' self-efficacy, which Bandura's theory identified as a crucial predictor of academic success and overall achievement (Tinto, 2020). This study explored the impact of self-efficacy-focused summer bridge programs on the success perceptions of transitioning students. Summer bridge programs have been widely used by institutions to facilitate the transition to college by increasing students' familiarity with the campus environment and academic expectations (Carlson, 2022; Mintz, 2021). However, many of these programs failed to address the critical role of self-efficacy in academic success, leaving a significant gap in program effectiveness (American Council on Education, 2022; Higher Education Research Institute, 2023). This study employed a mixed-methods approach, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data to examine the effectiveness of summer bridge programs that incorporated Bandura's strategies for increasing self-efficacy. Pre- and post program surveys were used to measure changes in self-efficacy perception, while in-depth interviews provided qualitative insights into students' experiences. The findings revealed that self-efficacy-focused summer bridge programs had a significant positive impact on students' academic confidence, goal-setting abilities, and overall sense of preparedness for college. Participants reported enhanced self-belief and resilience, which contributed to a stronger academic mindset. These results underscore the importance of integrating self-efficacy development into summer bridge programs and provide actionable recommendations for improving support for at-risk students during their transition to higher education. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]