Lehigh Valley Summerbridge (LVS) is a free, non-profit enrichment education program designed to assist predominantly low income students from nine different middle schools in the Lehigh Valley in their quest to become a college student. These students, comprised of both genders, a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds, and multilingual speakers are likely to be first generation college attendees and graduates. Rising seventh grade students voluntarily apply to the program; their applications are reviewed during a rigorous screening process and, once accepted, students commit to two full years in the program. Accepted students attend two 6-week summer programs—one prior to seventh grade and one prior to eighth grade—as well as once a week tutoring sessions during both school years.

LVS students make a significant sacrifice to attend this program. While many of their peers are enjoying time off of school and summertime activities, LVS students are attending math, science, literature, writing, and social studies classes. They are painting, taking photographs, learning to cook, performing dances and plays, performing experiments. They are doing homework. Many students ride the bus an hour each way in order to attend. These students, quite simply, are amazing.