UVA Engineering Summer Bridge Program

The University of Virginia Center for Diversity in Engineering hosts a free, three-week summer Bridge program to introduce first-year students to Grounds and the many opportunities and resources available to UVA Engineering students

What Is Bridge?

The Bridge Program at UVA is a comprehensive preparatory initiative designed to equip incoming students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their engineering studies. During the course of the program, participants will:

  • Enroll in a 3-credit mathematics course: Emphasizing math is crucial to ensure students are well-prepared for the required Calculus classes in UVA Engineering majors.
  • Receive professional development training: Enhancing essential skills for academic and professional success.
  • Participate in interactive engineering workshops: Engaging in hands-on experiences to spark interest and deepen understanding.
  • Build study skills and strategies: Developing effective methods for managing coursework and academic challenges.

The structure, sequence, and programming of Bridge are informed by quantitative and qualitative data gathered from the Crafting Success for Underrepresented Scientists and Engineers research project. This project focuses on understanding and promoting academic success in STEM majors at the University of Virginia.

Who Applies to Bridge? 

Since the 1980s, Bridge has supported students who aim to get a head start on academics, build a strong support network among peers, faculty, and staff, and explore the place they will call home for the next few years. Participants, known as “Bridgers,” gain valuable work and research experience, including opportunities to:

  • Present research at prestigious institutions such as Harvard.
  • Spearhead community outreach projects in Charlottesville and beyond.
  • Collaborate with prominent researchers both in the U.S. and internationally.
  • Engage in projects that align with their passions and interests.

Financial support from the School of Engineering and Applied Science covers the cost of tuition, housing, dining, books, and activities. However, participants are responsible for their travel expenses to UVA/Charlottesville.

Partial funding for the Bridge Program is provided by the National Science Foundation’s Virginia–North Carolina Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation.

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Goals:

  • Provide a smooth transition from high school to college.
  • Orient students to campus resources for success.
  • Build a supportive network of peers, faculty, and staff.
  • Hone math skills and provide a strong foundation for first-semester math placement.
  • Support first-generation college students and other underrepresented minorities in STEM.

Program Components:

  • Meetings with faculty: Personal interactions with professors to foster mentorship and guidance.
  • Tours of research labs: Exploring cutting-edge facilities and learning about ongoing research.
  • Introduction to campus resources: Familiarizing students with the tools and services available for their success.
  • Credit-bearing math course: Providing rigorous academic preparation.
  • Study strategies & stress management: Equipping students with techniques to handle academic pressures.
  • Tours of UVA maker spaces: Discovering innovative spaces where they can bring their ideas to life.