About BRIDGE
BRIDGE is an immersive inclusive excellence program designed to bridge the gap between high school and college through intentional programming and enrichment activities. Historically, this program has served underrepresented students in professional STEM fields.
This is a five-week intensive academic enrichment program on-campus program at UConn Storrs. We welcome students from all UConn campuses to participate.
Dates: Sunday, June 30th – Saturday, August 3rd, 2024.
Students experience the five of the pillars success, with the academic component centering on Mathematics (Pre-Calculus and Calculus), Chemistry, Computer Programming (Python) and an Introduction to Physics.
(STEM students focusing on healthcare and/or participating in the Health Care Opportunity Program/Pre-College Academic Enrichment Programs will take Biology instead of Python).
The Five Pillars
Academic Excellence
Solid academic foundation for excellence in the College of Engineering and STEM.
Self Care & Advocacy
Self-care and stress management strategies to advocate for needs and
maintain well-being.
Professional Foundations
Industry tours, professional development and networking opportunities with professionals, including alumni.
Community Development
Nurturing community connections, fostering communication and collaboration skills.
Strategic Success
Balancing academic responsibilities and navigating the College of Engineering effectively.
Academic Excellence
To instill Academic Excellence, the BRIDGE program emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic and dedication to academics for students in the College of Engineering. Students will review the foundations of Math (Pre-Calculus or Calculus), Chemistry, Computer Programming (Python), Physics and Biology before the semester begins. Sessions are led by UConn faculty, staff, and graduate students, with support from undergraduate students who are BRIDGE alum and have successfully completed the courses . Although these sessions do not provide UConn credit, they are designed to build confidence, develop strategies, and enhance preparedness. Upon successful completion of the program, students will take a Fall BRIDGE class and earn 3 credits.
Self-Care and Advocacy
In the BRIDGE program, we know how important mental health and well-being are for success in the College of Engineering. Engineering can be tough, so we help students learn ways to manage stress and take care of themselves. We offer workshops on mindfulness, time management, and communication to help students stay balanced while facing academic and personal challenges. The program provides a supportive space to practice these skills, so students are ready to take care of their well-being throughout college. BRIDGE helps students succeed not just academically, but in all areas of life.
BRAVE SPACE, SAFE SPACE!
Professional Foundations
This pillar offers an immersive look into engineering careers. Students can tour leading engineering companies and interact with professionals, including successful BRIDGE alumni. These experiences provide real-world insights into various engineering career paths and the skills needed to excel. The program also facilitates networking sessions, allowing students to connect with industry leaders and gain valuable perspectives on the professional environment they’ll enter after graduation. By focusing on real-world applications and professional development, BRIDGE helps students understand and appreciate the engineering field, building a strong foundation for their future careers.
Previous Industry Tours Include...
Community Development
In the Community Development aspect of the BRIDGE program, students are encouraged to cultivate a sense of belonging and mutual support within the engineering community. This pillar is about more than just forming connections; it’s about nurturing a collaborative spirit and a shared sense of purpose. Through team-building activities, group projects, and community initiatives, students learn the value of working together and contributing to the broader community. These experiences are designed to foster communication skills, cultural competence, and a deep understanding of the impact engineers can have beyond the classroom. By emphasizing the importance of community in the engineering field, BRIDGE helps students develop into well-rounded professionals who value teamwork and community engagement as key components of their future careers.
Strategic Success
Strategic Success is a key pillar of the BRIDGE program, focusing on developing essential skills for navigating the college environment effectively. This aspect of the program teaches students the art of balancing academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities and social engagements. Through carefully planned schedules and organized events, students learn firsthand the importance of time management, goal setting, and prioritization skills critical for success in the demanding field of engineering. These structured experiences are designed not only to mirror the typical college day but also to empower students with strategies for academic achievement and personal fulfillment. By fostering these skills, BRIDGE ensures that students are not just prepared for the academic rigors of college but are also equipped to thrive in all aspects of university life.
Financial Aid & Support
The BRIDGE program fee is $1995 USD. Understanding the financial aspects of higher education, the BRIDGE program is committed to supporting our students through a combination of fellowships and scholarships. These financial aids significantly reduce the $1995 program fee. Fellowships are awarded based on need, as determined through a student’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA, and are designed to discount the admission cost to BRIDGE. Importantly, students with high financial aid needs will have their program fee completely covered, ensuring that the program is accessible to all, regardless of financial background.
Moreover, the financial aid we offer operates on a sliding scale, tailored to meet the varying needs of our students. This approach ensures fair and equitable support, enabling a diverse group of students to benefit from the BRIDGE experience. In addition, scholarships are awarded at the graduation ceremony to students who demonstrate strong effort and a positive attitude throughout the program. On average, BRIDGE distributes between $50,000 to $60,000 in scholarships to our deserving participants at the end of the program.
The one-time fee of $1995.00 USD for BRIDGE covers not only the five weeks of the summer program but also extends to the support we provide throughout your undergraduate journey. This comprehensive fee, made possible by the generous contributions of donors and corporations, is a reduced rate from our Institute’s cost of $3500 per student. It includes:
- Room & Board at Storrs, CT for the 5-week summer program duration.
- Access to 5 academic teachers, programmatic staff/faculty, and undergraduate coaches.
- Weekend activities and transportation during the program.
- Industry tour programming and transportation during the program & academic year.
- Academic materials, including textbooks and online platforms.
- Mentor-Mentee programming during the academic year, including bus trips to NYC/Boston.
- Tutoring services for BRIDGE students during the academic year.
- One-on-one coaching and check-ins during your first year.
- Other needs and incidentals.
Please note, payment is required only AFTER receiving formal acceptance to the BRIDGE program (end of May/June). You will be prompted to pay when we send you a confirmation.
The Sponsors That Make BRIDGE Possible
