This phenomenological qualitative case study investigates the lived experiences and perception of African-American undergraduate traditional college students who completed a structured transitional and academic success program. The program is known as the Learning Institute and Opportunities for New Students (LIONS) summer bridge program, and it is held at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in the southern portion of the United States. The central research question focused on the lived experiences of the participants of a summer bridge program and described the experiences of their transition from high school to college life. Five salient themes emerged include self efficacy, academic engagement, social engagement, leadership and character development. [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.]