Across the nation, school policymakers are grappling with what to do about the increasing numbers of students who do not advance beyond ninth grade. National estimates put the student attrition rate before tenth grade at between 11 and 33 percent, and only about 70 percent of ninth graders make it to graduation. This policy brief focuses on one type of activity that is designed to help eighth-grade students make a successful transition to high school: eighth-grade summer bridge programs. These programs are similar in concept to their counterparts for aspiring college bound students who may benefit from extra support. Students are identified and recruited into a summer program that offers academic remediation, social support, and orientation activities that are designed to enhance their ability to succeed during their freshman year. As part of a comprehensive transition approach, summer bridge programs can be a promising practice for school administrators and policymakers to consider. Design and policy issues discussed include: (1) Determining the student population; (2) Creating the curriculum; (3) Staffing the program; (4) Instituting a code of conduct; (5) Assessing the program; and (6) Offering special incentives. [This document was produced by The Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement, administered by Learning Point Associates under contract with the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education.]