Summer BRIDGE
Learn More About Summer BRIDGE
Attitude and Effort. Success and Bright Futures.
BRIDGE is a immersive and inclusive program designed to help students transition smoothly and seamlessly from high school to college. Though personalized support, engaging activities and community focused programming, BRIDGE empowers students by addressing challenges, improving access to resources and fostering a strong sense of belonging. The goal of the program is to equip students with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to thrive in their academic journey.
BRIDGE offers a “low-stakes” learning environment where students can build a strong foundation in the core courses without the pressure of grades. Our prep courses in Chemistry, Physics, Python Coding (CSE), Pre-Calculus/Calculus help students focus on understanding the material and discovering their best learning styles/strategies. Beyond academics, BRIDGE provides high-impact experiences such as industry tours, career development, ensuring students are well-prepared for college and beyond.
Applications for the Summer 2027 Bridge Program are coming soon.
Five Week Intensive Academic Enrichment Program
When: Sunday, June 27th, 2027 – Saturday July 31s, 2026
Where: UConn Storrs (in-person, residential)
Subjects Offered
- Mathematics: Pre-Calculus, Introduction to Calculus & Calculus
- Chemistry: Introduction to Chemistry
- Computer Science: Fundamental and Accelrated Python
- Physics: Introduction to Physics
- Biology – for healthcare-focused students
Application Process
- Contact BRIDGE team with any questions
- Review Eligibility
- Commit to full participation
- Complete the online application
- Submit application
- Confirm Financial aid details
Who’s Eligible?
All majors in Engineering, students in ACES (pre-engineering, pre-nursing), students in CLAS wishing to be engineers or health science professionals are welcome to apply! We have partnerships to provide curated content and financial support for students in the following majors:
- Civil and Environmental Engineering (through CT Department of Transportation)
- Biomedical and Chemical Engineering interested in healthcare careers, Biological and Health Science (through UConn Health)
- Physics or Engineering Physics (through UConn Physics Faculty)
While BRIDGE is open to all students from all UConn campuses, we welcome and highly encourage the follow to apply:
- Students who have experience life challenges or overcome adversity
- First generation students
- Students from high schools in Connecticut Alliance Districts or similar state programs/designations
- Technical high school students
- Students who participated in a TRO program or similar programs
- Pell grant eligible students or students with significant financial need
- Students who are or think they may be neurodiverse
A World of Opportunities
Participation and completion of the BRIDGE program opens doors to a multitude of exciting opportunities, equipping you with valuable skills and connections to thrive in your endeavors. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:
Scholarship Opportunities
Students are eligible for a range of scholarships after successfully completing the BRIDGE program. These awards recognize not only academic achievements, but positive attitude, dedication, and the support you extend to your peers throughout the program.
Internship Opportunities
Students are eligible for a range of internship positions after successfully completing the BRIDGE program. These opportunities with top industries provide hands-on experiences and valuable insights in the field.
Networking Opportunities
Forge meaningful connections with BRIDGE Alumni and Industry Professionals, expanding your circle and opening doors to collaboration.
Public Speaking
Hone your ability to communicate effectively, gain the confidence to address and present your ideas with clarity and impact.
Career Resources
Students have access to a wealth of resources, workshops, career development tools designed to propel your field of study and career forward.
Leadership Skills
Cultivate leadership skills essential for success in today’s dynamic world.
The Five Pillars
Academic Excellence
Solid academic foundation for excellence in the College of Engineering and STEM.
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 & Advocacy
Self-care and stress management strategies to advocate for needs and maintain well-being.
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.
Professional Foundations
Self-care and stress management strategies to advocate for needs and maintain well-being.
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.
Community Development
Nurturing community connections, fostering communication and collaboration skills.
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
Balancing academic responsibilities and navigating the College of Engineering effectively.
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.
Interested?
Thanks for your interest in BRIDGE! For questions, email engr-bridge@uconn.edu.
UPDATED 7/10/2026