“ I was nervous going into BRIDGE. It didn’t take me long to realize I wasn’t alone. I had dozens of other students struggling alongside me, and tutors and teachers willing to help me with the course-load. Everyone was very helpful and understanding when I had questions...I learned great study habits, knew where my classes were, and had lasting friendships with other students in the engineering program. BRIDGE helped to prepare me for not only my first year of college, but for my entire journey through the field of engineering.” Beth Cheney (Chemical Engineering,’07)
THE PROGRAM
…is a five-week, intensive summer readiness program designed to prepare students for the freshman-year experience. BRIDGE primes you for the engineering curriculum through preliminary coursework in core mathematics, chemistry, physics and computer concepts.
“ The BRIDGE program was highly effective in terms of boosting my confidence in engineering and getting ready for college life. I got a semester’s worth of education in calculus, chemistry, physics, computing and went on numerous field trips. Besides that, I was able to get used to the surroundings at UConn and made many friends.” Ricardo K. Lewis (Biomedical Engineering, ‘10)
WHO QUALIFIES?
Are you a serious and committed student? Have you applied, or been admitted, to the UConn School of Engineering? If so, you may qualify. BRIDGE is reserved for students from traditionally under-represented populations, including women, African Americans, Hispanics, Puerto Ricans and Native Americans.
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AM I PREPARED? “ In high school, I had never taken any classes in physics, calculus or computer science. Being able to get a preview of what my courses in the fall would entail was definitely to my advantage. The best things I got out of BRIDGE, however, are the friendships and bonds I created with the other students in the program.”
Jessica Gladding (Chemical Engineering, ‘06)
PROGRAM DETAILS You’ll attend mandatory classes in math, chemistry, physics and computer programming. Evenings are reserved for scheduled group study sessions. During these sessions, teachers, tutors and other BRIDGE students discuss homework problems. Along with other students, you complete practice tests and work on group problem solving. You’ll also travel off-campus to visit a number of leading Connecticut companies that employ our graduates. 2
“ I never even considered taking classes over the summer. But now, looking back I wonder how I would have survived my first semester without such a jump start. The curriculum is the exact material from each course for first semester engineers and it gave me the confidence I needed to do well.” Emily E. Wijas (Management & Engineering for Manufacturing, ‘10)
“ The study sessions were helpful in allowing us to develop better study habits and also learn to work together with other students, while asking for help if needed. The study sessions also helped us develop skills in time management and planning.”
“The best thing about BRIDGE, for me, was the tutors. Each class had a tutor who was available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The tutors were very supportive and wanted to see me succeed; they were engineering students like me. They would stay up with the students as long as it took to understand a concept. They were amazing.” Melissa Jacques (Mechanical Engineering/ Materials Science & Engineering, ‘07)
Anthony Silva (Electrical & Computer Engineering, ‘10)
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“The weekly company tours that BRIDGE offers give students the opportunity to see how rewarding and fulfilling a career path in engineering can be. These tours also establish networks that can be the most pivotal factor in securing a job upon graduation...I guarantee that BRIDGE places all participants at an advantage academically, mentally, and socially during the beginning stages of college.” Danielle McGeary (Biomedical Engineering, ‘07)
WHAT’S COVERED The Engineering Diversity Program covers nearly all of your BRIDGE expenses, including on-campus housing, weekday meals, tuition and books. During the program, you live in a fully-furnished, on-campus residence hall. A Resident Advisor (RA) assigned to your floor helps plan activities and programs, and facilitates an atmosphere that is respectful and helps meet each student’s academic and interpersonal needs. • You’ll enjoy your weekday meals in an assigned campus dining hall. Weekend meals, and expenses associated with laundry, recreation, and social activities, are your responsibility. • Freshman engineering textbooks required for BRIDGE, valued at approximately $350, are supplied at no charge. You provide your own notebooks, calculators and other classroom supplies. • Before embarking on your BRIDGE experience, you must attend a freshman orientation program. Orientation details will be mailed to you after you pay the University’s $150 acceptance fee. • All BRIDGE participants must have active health insurance, including coverage for accidents. Supplemental Student Health Insurance may be purchased if you are not currently covered by an existing insurance policy. STIPEND AND SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES After completing your BRIDGE experience successfully, you may qualify for either a stipend of up to $800 or one of several generous scholarships. Your hard work, good attitude, and contributions to peers and the BRIDGE program are key to receiving one of these scholarships; good grades ensure you keep your scholarship.
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TO APPLY: The deadline for applying to BRIDGE is early-to-mid May. Please contact our office at (860) 486-5536 or by e-mail at kjm@engr.uconn.edu to request an application form. Besides the application, you will need two letters of recommendation, preferably from a math or science teacher. Copies of previous recommendations are acceptable. You will be notified by letter of your acceptance into the BRIDGE program, and you’ll receive orientation materials, rules and regulations. For more information about BRIDGE, consult our web page: www.engr.uconn.edu/diversity/bridge
CONTACT Kevin McLaughlin BRIDGE Director School of Engineering Unit 3187 University of Connecticut Storrs, CT 06269-3187 Ph.: (860) 486-5536 E-mail: kjm@engr.uconn.edu