Sophomore Summer Bridge 2024

May 28 - June 14

Our Sophomore Summer Bridge program is designed to prepare students finishing their first year in Engineering, Pre-Engineering, or other related STEM fields for future courses and opportunities. Current sophomores and non-degree students may also find value in this program. For ~3 weeks, you will prepare for upcoming challenging courses, develop internship/research skills, and form a productive community amongst valuable figures and peers.

Apply for Sophomore Summer Bridge 2024 by 4/15

Program Highlights

Course Preparation

You can select two future courses to get a head start on. Upon successfully finishing the program, you can receive ENGR 3000 level credit for the upcoming fall semester

Career Development

You'll receive guidance and develop crucial skills that will prepare you to hit the ground running at your next internship or research opportunity.

Housing and Dining

You'll be provided housing and meals at the UConn Storrs campus for a seamless in-person experience.

Community Building

You'll have a hands-on experience that will connect you with valuable resources to support your career.

Academic Success

We provide students with an opportunity to take two courses. This gives students a head start on some challenging courses they might take in upcoming semesters. Upon successfully completing these courses, you will not fulfill any requirements but will receive ENGR 3000 level credit. The course available are:

• Calculus 2 (MATH 1132Q)
• Multivariable Calculus (MATH 2410Q)
• Physics for Engineers I (PHYS 1501Q)
• Physics for Engineers II (PHYS 1502Q)
• Intro to Computer Architecture (CSE 3666)
• Electrical Circuits (ECE 2001)

View Undergraduate Course Directory

Practicum

Students will dedicate time to work on a hands-on projects, selecting from opportunities to supplement your learning and identity formation as an engineer. The potential opportunities are the following:

• Research project related to the NAVY (All Engineering Majors Welcome)
• Research project related to advancing Quantum Technologies (All STEM Majors Welcome, must be interested in coding)
• Technical Project related to Space Observation and revitalizing the UConn Observatory
• Industry project related to data science and creating open-source functions (Catered for Computing Majors)
• Outreach project to design an engaging experiment and lesson plan for high school students (All STEM Majors Welcome)
• Design project to create an app or portal to solve bunched exam schedule at UConn (Innovative Coders Welcome)

Skills Lab

Alongside the practical experience, students will be able to build and sharpen specific skills relevant to future research and internship opportunities. These skill sets have been chosen by our partners in the industry, to ensure you are ready out the gate. The skills that students can learn include:

• Excel Fundamentals and Data Analysis
• Powerpoint and Presentation Skills
• Project Tools and Management
• Google Co-Lab
• Computer Aided Design (CAD)
• Reading and Citing Academic Papers
• Writing Reports and Experimental Findings

FAQ

Do I need to have participated in the first year student BRIDGE program?

You do not need to have participate in any BRIDGE program. Anyone who finds value in this program is welcome to apply.

Do I need to be an engineering student?

You do not need to be an engineering student. We welcome students who are STEM majors, or thinking about transferring or applying into engineering.

Can I take another summer class for credit at the same time?

You could, but be conscious of the time commitment. We are flexible, willing to work with you, and here to support you. For example, you could take one course in Sophomore Summer and substitute your for-credit SS1 course for one of ours.

How much time do I need to commit?

Our tentative schedule is:

May 28 – June 14

Mondays – Thursdays
Academic Class 1: 9:30 – 11:30 PM
Academic Class 2: 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Skill Lab: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Practicum Time: 5:15 – 6:15 PM
Study Session: 8:00 – 10:00 PM

Fridays
Practicum Time: 9:00 – 12:00 PM
Practicum Time: 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Community Building: 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Total times:
Academic Class 1 and 2: 22 hours each
Skill Building: 11 hours
Practicum: 26 hours

Weekends have various community-building activities and time for optional academic support. You would be required to stay the weekend of June 1. The weekend of June 8 is optional but encouraged to stay.

Please indicate on your application if this schedule does not work for you.

What is the cost and are their opportunities for financial aid?

The cost of participating in the three week program is $995, which includes housing, meals, and all supplies and activities. Payment is due June 1 but payment plans through June 30th are available.

If you require financial assistance, please fill out the form to describe your financial situation.

For any questions or inquiries related to Sophomore Summer Bridge, please email stephany.santos@uconn.edu.