Summer Bridge Program connects incoming students to UNC campus

Applications are currently open for UNC’s Summer Bridge program, a six-week residential opportunity to help incoming first-year students adjust to college. Held during June and July, students are part of a cohort of about 60 students. They are also assigned a peer mentor who they meet with every week. 

Summer Bridge focuses on building community and academic preparation, with students taking foundational UNC courses on campus. All UNC admits who are North Carolina residents are able to attend this program free of charge, including students with dual enrollment or community college credits that may require retaking courses for better adjustment to the University.

UNC’s Summer Bridge Coordinator, and University alumna Brittany Grant, said that the Summer Bridge program looks for applicants that seem nervous about the upcoming fall semester. Her favorite part of the job, she said, is working directly with the students. 

“You know, obviously I connect with them during Summer Bridge, but it's always so nice to have them come back after the program's ended and catch me up on how their semester is going,” she said.

During Summer Bridge students’ first year at UNC, there are two required check-in meetings with the program coordinator. There are also events throughout the semester for students who attend Summer Bridge to remain connected. 

Aiden Bryant, a first year student who attended last year's Summer Bridge program, said that he originally wanted to do the program so he could get used to UNC’s campus before beginning in the fall. 

Bryant said that he met many of his current friends through Summer Bridge.

“I always hang out with my friends,” he said. ”Even in the times where it was really stressful, the times that we were about to crash out, we were having dinner out on Franklin Street. I think that's my favorite moments.” 

UNC first year Malia Kasell, who also participated in last year’s Summer Bridge, said she is in the process of applying for a job with this year's program. Once a student has participated in Summer Bridge, they become eligible to staff it. 

The program is designed for students who are more nervous about beginning their first semester of college, whether that be because of the social or academic aspects of attending the University. 

Kasell said that she has found the Summer Bridge Program to be very helpful in her academics and with her friends. 

“I feel like really, it can be helpful to anybody. But definitely if you're a little bit more introverted or nervous about college, it's for you,” Kasell said. “A lot of the time it's marketed towards first generation students. A lot of my friends that are first generation said it was really helpful.” 

Grant said she recommended future members of the program to apply by the deadline, April 17. Students can apply to the program through a form on the UNC Center for Student Success’ website.

“You know, we have as much information as we can up on the website, but because there's so many different aspects to the program, it can be really hard to get a full sense of what exactly the program entails,” Grant said. “So just reaching out, I am always happy to connect students to former students if they have any questions.”

@macie24818

@dailytarheel | university@dailytarheel.com