WHAT IS SUMMER BRIDGE?
The Summer Bridge program is a FREE five-week, hybrid program that takes place from July 18th to August 18th. An on-campus orientation will be offered at the end of June. Students will participate in virtual classes to earn college credit and take part in activities Monday through Friday of each week. Attendance is required for all orientation programming, classes, and academic support. Participation in evening social activities is strongly encouraged.
Summer Bridge is designed to help our students acclimate to the rigorous demands of college and to give students the advantage of becoming oriented with the University before their first semester officially begins this fall, all while earning credits that will count towards their degree.
Students enrolled in the program will:
- Earn up to 6 college credits towards their degree by taking courses in their major (or completing general education requirements)
- Learn how to be successful at Rutgers-Camden, through workshops and programming sponsored by various campus departments
- Meet other new Scarlet Raptors, faculty, staff, and current students
- Get a jump start on your degree and college experience
- Have breakfast, lunch and dinner provided during the on-campus orientation
- Get the opportunity to briefly experience campus living, with housing provided for free
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
The 5-Week Summer Bridge Program is for incoming first-year students for Fall 2022 who are majoring in the sciences, are admitted to the School of Nursing or School of Business, and want an early start to college. There are limited slots available so apply early!
Please note: Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) students are not eligible for this program.
WHAT WOULD MY SCHEDULE LOOK LIKE?
The general schedule of program participation is as follows:
- On-campus Orientation Weekend: June 24-26
- Classes begin virtually: July 18 – August 18
Each students’ daily schedule will vary based on placement test scores and their school of admittance (Arts & Sciences, Business, or Nursing), but expect to be fully engaged in program activities from 9am-3pm, Monday – Friday. Weekly evening programming will also be available for students to bond with their peers in a fun and social way. Academic offerings include:
CCAS-Science Majors | Business | Nursing |
First-year seminar | Professional Skills Forum | First-year seminar |
College Algebra or Pre-calculus | College Algebra or Pre-calculus | Biomedical Ethics |
Writing lab | Writing lab | Writing lab |
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN SUMMER BRIDGE?
By participating in Summer Bridge, students will:
- Live on-campus for a three-day orientation (not applicable to virtual orientation students)
- Earn up to six credits, which will ease future course loads & ensure timely graduation
- Have 1:1 and group academic support to ensure you do well in your classes
- Learn about college and campus life well before other incoming students
- Build a community of support among peers, staff, and faculty
- Learn to use the support and expertise of caring professors & staff
- Identify ways to be a successful college student
- Develop strong academic and life skills that are critical to your achievement & success
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Hear more about the Summer Bridge experience directly from our previous participants:
Kayla Daley, Senior
Major: Criminal Justice & Sociology
Minor: Juvenile Justice and Youth Development
Major: Health Sciences & Psychology Savannah Hayes, Senior Major: Political Science Minor: Criminal Justice & Psychology I decided to participate in the Summer Bridge Program in 2018 and I am still very happy that I did. I came from a very small high school that I felt did not prepare me for college academically or socially and the Summer Bridge program was a way for me to get acclimated to what college was all about. It especially made me get a sense of what New Jersey and the East Coast was like, being that I came all the way from Arizona. I was able to build a strong connection with the campus, making me feel right at home when I moved in Freshman year. I learned valuable college and life skills like time management while building friendships that will last my whole life. I highly recommend going - you will not regret it! HOW TO APPLY Submit your application HERE. Please note, that you must participate for the entire program, July 18-August 19. NO EXCEPTIONS. The deadline for all applications is Wednesday, June 1st. If you already submitted an application but no longer want to participate, please submit a drop-request form here. Note: Applications are incomplete until the following pre-requisites are satisfied: MORE ABOUT VACCINATIONS OPPORTUNITIES TO CONNECT HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SUMMER EXPERIENCE Being successful during Summer Bridge involves more than just showing up for class and completing assignments. There are a host of other success strategies and habits that we recommend our students build, including: Please check back regularly for new updates about the Summer Bridge Program. Our staff members remain committed to students' success and are here to support you. If you have any questions, please contact (856) 225-6442 or send an email to success@camden.rutgers.edu.