Learn More About Summer BRIDGE
The BRIDGE Experience
Participation in the BRIDGE program will provide students multiple academic and social benefits including:
- Instruction on college level chemistry, math, and computer science
- Exposure to the College of Engineering facilities and laboratories
- Visits to engineering companies and tours of industry
- Social, community, recreational, and cultural activities
- Study skills workshops and structured group study sessions
- Experience University housing, eating in dining halls (excluding weekends) before staring their first semester
- Engineering career seminars presented by faculty / professional engineers
- Hours of tutoring from BRIDGE alumni
Important Dates
- Early Application Deadline: May 1st, 2027
- Extended Application Deadline: May 17th, 2027
- Acceptance Form Deadline: June 14th, 2027
- Pre-BRIDGE Assessmet Form Deadline: June 18th, 2027
- BRIDGE Cohort Phone Calls: June 23rd – 24th, 2027
- Move-In Day: June 27th, 2027
- Closing Ceremony: July 31st, 2027
Program Academics
During BRIDGE, you will take 4 academic classes with labs, discussion sessions, and supplemental instruction. Classes are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Wednesdays are a flex day and reserved for Industry Tours. Class attendance is mandatory andfailure to attend class or study sessions may result in dismissal from the program. Your schedule will be provided on the first day.
Courses are offered at two levels: Foundation (FND) and Accelerated (ACC).
Select One Math Section
- Pre-Calculus (Math 1060): Build strong foundations in Algebra, Trigonometry and Functions to prepare for success in Calculus
- Calculus FND: Learn core Calculus concepts at a steady pace, focusing on understanding limits, derivatives and integrals with practice and real-world applications
- Calculus ACC: A fast-paced Calc-1 level course aligned with UConn Standards. Designed for students with strong math backgrounds and moves quickly through concepts and applications.
Required for Engineering (Chemistry)
- Chemistry FND: The fundamentals of chemistry. This course emphasizes problem-solving, lab-based thinking and conceptual understanding.
- Chemistry ACC: Faster pace introduction to college-level chemistry designed for students with strong science background. Topics mirror a first-semester college chemistry course.
Required for Engineering (Python)
- Python FND: Learn the basics of Python programming through hands-on projects. Students build essential coding skills while exploring how programming solves real problems.
- Python ACC: A fast-paced dive into Python designed for students with prior coding experience. Covers advanced topics through problem solving. Topics mirror a first-semester college CSE course
Required for Engineering (Physics)
- Intro to Physics: Discover core principles in Physics. Students engage in hands-on activities and scientific practices that build a strong foundation
Required for Health Sciences
- Biology Discover core principles in Biology. Students engage in hands-on activities and scientific practices that build a strong foundation for STEM coursework.
Industry Tours
Every Wednesday, students participate in structured field trips to STEM companies.
Tours expose you to real-world engineering, career paths, internship opportunities, and professional networks. Please check the acceptance form for the list of required citizenship identification – some sites require it for access.
In past years, corporate visits have included: Covidien, Electric Boat, Alston Power, Pratt and Whitney, Olin, Unilever, Sikorsky, Timken, CT Department of Transportation, Cigna, Medtronic, Travelers, and more.
Books/Supplies
The Vergnano Institute for Impact will provide textbooks for summer use, free of charge. Students will need, notebooks, loose leaf paper, pens, pencils, and calculators. Laptops are highly encouraged (not required), and tablets for notetaking are also fine.
If purchasing a computer for college: both Mac and PC work. UConn offers free access to PC software via Anyware: UConn Software Catalog for Students includes CAD, Python, MATLAB, and Microsoft Office.
Weekend Activities
All students are required to remain on campus during ALL weekends (Storrs Center counts as on campus). Exceptions require program director’s approval.
Student staff are on duty 24/7 on weekdays and weekends. They will also plan recreational, community, or other fun activities during the weekends.
BRIDGE weekends are packed with experiences you will remember long after the summer ends. These amazing events include: a BBQ picnic, beach day, community service opportunities, the STEM Bowl, a Formal Dinner, presentations from engineering student organizations, movie nights, teambuilding exercises, nature walks, a group bonfire, field day, and more.
Workshops
Throughout the BRIDGE program, students will take part in workshops to strengthen themselves as learners, build professional skills, grow healthy wellbeing strategies, and reflect on the relationship between STEM and the world around them.
Your Post-BRIDGE Timeline
Through the BRIDGE program, you will become a part of a close community of friendship and support that lasts far beyond your first summer of college. Check out what you can expect as a part of this journey below!
Year One
Summer
- Head start on Fall Semester and academic journey
- Connect with peers and BRIDGE alumni
- Build resume and professional development skills
- Earn up to $3,000 toward fee bill by completing summer requirements
Fall Semester
- BRIDGE Class: first year experience course for BRIDGE students (1 credit)
- Build time management skills
- Connect with a mentor in Mentor-Mentee program
- Peer – Peer
- Peer – Faculty
- Peer – Industry
- Join an engineering student organization
Spring Semester
- Earn 2 credits
- Apply for a job with VII Summer Programs
- BRIDGE Coach
- Explore Engineering Counselor
- SPARK Counselor
- Logistics Team
- Student Worker Opportunities (Work Study)
Year Two
Summer
- Head start on Fall Semester through the Sophomore Summer Program
- Courses Offered:
- Calculus 2
- Multivariable Calculus
- Physics for Engineers I & II
- Digital Architecture (CSE 2301)
- Discrete Systems (CSE-20500)
- Courses Offered:
- Build resume, professional development and research skills
- Connect with upperclassmen, research faculty and more
- Apply for summer session course scholarships
Fall Semester
- Connect with mentees as a mentor through Mentor-Mentee program
- Earn credit in BRIDGE Class Recommended Classes
- 2 credits: Intro to BOSSLADI
- 1 credit Technical Presentation and Communication Skills (through EA)
- 1 credit: Engineering for Impact (for future student org. leaders)
Spring Semester
- Connect with mentees as a mentor through Mentor-Mentee program
- Earn credit in BRIDGE Recommended Classes (if not taken in 1st year)
- 3 credits : Advanced BOSS LADI
- 1 credit : Technical Presentation and Communtion skills (through EA)
- 1 credit : Engineering for Impact (for future student org leaders)
Additional Opportunities
- 1 credit : Research Orientation Class
- Industry visits / tours Access to BRIDGE Coaches
- Access to student organizations, community building, professional development, and leadership opportunities
- Access to mentors (alum, industry, faculty)
- Academic year Bus trips to NYC and Boston
- Volunteer & Outreach for K-12 programs
- Multiply your Options (MYO)
- Engineer Your Future (EYF)
- Sisters in STEM (SiS)
- Pre-Engineering Program (PEP)
