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, and we welcome students from all UConn campuses to participate; scheduled from Sunday, June 30th – Saturday, August 3rd, 2024. Students will 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.
(Students that are healthcare related majored that are HCOP PCEP sponsored will take Biology instead of Python).
The Five Pillars
Academic Excellence
Through classes in key STEM subjects, the BRIDGE program lays a solid academic foundation for excellence in the College of Engineering program
Self Care and Advocacy
BRIDGE addresses the rigors of engineering studies by teaching students self-care and stress management strategies, ensuring they can advocate for their needs and maintain well-being
Professional Foundations
BRIDGE offers industry tours and networking opportunities with professionals, including alumni, providing a practical understanding of engineering careers and the professional world
Community Development
Students learn the importance of building and nurturing community connections, fostering communication and collaboration skills essential for personal and professional growth
Strategic Success
BRIDGE addresses the rigors of engineering studies by teaching students self-care and stress management strategies, ensuring they can advocate for their needs and maintain well-being
Academic Excellence
To instill Academic Excellence, students will attend classes they encounter in their first year. The BRIDGE program highlights the necessity of having a strong work ethic and dedication to academics as a student in the College of Engineering. We go through foundational information that is important for the students to go over before the semester rolls around. These classes are taught by current UConn faculty, staff, and grad students, and are supported by current undergraduate students that have successfully taken the course. These classes are NOT for UConn credit. These classes are “low-stakes” courses designed to raise confidence, strategy, and preparedness, so they will not receive course credit over the summer. Students will receive 3 credits in Fall 2024 after successful completion of the Summer+Fall programming.
Self-Care and Advocacy
In the realm of Self-Care and Advocacy, the BRIDGE program emphasizes the importance of mental health and personal well-being as fundamental to success in the College of Engineering. Recognizing the rigorous demands of engineering studies, we introduce students to various strategies for managing stress and advocating for their needs. This includes workshops and sessions on mindfulness, time management, and effective communication, all aimed at fostering a balanced and healthy approach to academic and personal challenges. This aspect of the program provides a safe and supportive space for students to explore and practice these self-care techniques, ensuring they are well-equipped to maintain their well-being throughout their college journey. Emphasizing self-care and advocacy, BRIDGE prepares students not just academically, but holistically, for a successful and sustainable college experience.
Professional Foundations
Under the Professional Foundations pillar, the BRIDGE program offers an immersive exploration into the world of engineering careers. Students have the unique opportunity to engage with the industry through extensive tours of leading engineering companies and interactions with professionals, including successful BRIDGE alumni. These experiences provide a real-world perspective on the diverse career paths available in engineering and the skills required to excel in these roles. The program facilitates networking sessions and discussions, allowing students to connect with industry leaders and gain valuable insights into the professional environment they will enter after graduation. By focusing on real-world applications and professional development, BRIDGE equips students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the engineering field, laying 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
