The Summer Bridge Program

The CARE Summer Bridge Program is an alternative admission program for first-generation college students, and students who are disadvantaged by economic, cultural or educational circumstances. This high school to college bridge program is designed to help ease students’ adjustment to college life and build a foundation for academic success. Students will be required to apply for financial aid, and those with financial need will have 100% of their need for the summer term met from non-loan sources. Students who do not qualify for financial aid may participate in the program at regular summer-term rates on a limited, first come, first-served basis.

How Do I Qualify?

To be eligible for participation, a student is REQUIRED to:

1. Be a first-generation college student (i.e., neither parent has a 4-year college degree), and a member of a low-income family.
2. Complete and submit the Florida State University application.
3. Complete and submit the C.A.R.E. Summer Bridge Program application.
4. Be a Florida resident (note: parent/legal guardian establishes residency).
5. Be a first-time college student, who has earned less than 12 college credits after high school graduation (This does not apply to dual enrollment credits, rather to those earned while enrolled at a two or four-year higher education institution).
6. Have a minimum cumulative weighted grade point average of 2.50 as calculated by the FSU Office of Admissions to be considered for the C.A.R.E. Summer Bridge Program.
7. Have a minimum total SAT score of 1330; OR a composite score of 19 on the ACT.

Note: Offer of admission will be rescinded should the final high school transcripts reflect failing grades and/or missing credits.

If you would like to be considered for admission to Florida State University through CARE, you must:
• Apply online at www.admissions.fsu.edu/.
• Submit the $30 application fee or SAT or ACT fee waiver.
• Submit official high school and all post-secondary transcripts (dual enrollment).
• Submit official ACT (#0734) and/or SAT (#5219) scores from each test.
• Submit the residency statement.
• Submit the CARE application.
• Submit a copy of the 2007 tax return or other proof of income.
• Submit the 2008-2009 FAFSA.
• Submit two letters of support (one should be from your high school counselor).
• Submit a statement indicating why you would like to participate in CARE.

For full consideration, all documents should be submitted as early as possible, but no later than January 21, 2009. The University reserves the right to close CARE admission earlier, if warranted by enrollment limitations and the number of applications received.

What Does the Program Offer?

Academic Support Services
Students receive assistance in establishing and refining study and test-taking skills through workshops, study halls, tutoring sessions, and special classes.

Campus Survival Skills
Students are introduced to various campus and student support services, and will learn effective techniques for time management, money management, registration, selecting majors, realistic course loads, personal safety and security, and other challenges that may exist in the campus environment.

Counseling/Advising
Students are assigned to academic and peer advisors who will guide them through their early transition into the university. Program participants will receive their academic advising by CARE until they complete liberal studies requirements and enter a major program of study.

Social/Cultural Orientation
Students are exposed to the rich cultural diversity that characterizes the university community, and are introduced to a variety of social, service and leadership opportunities and options available to them on campus and in the local community.

Advocacy and Support Services
CARE staff will continue to support and advocate on behalf of Summer Bridge Program participants as needed while they complete their undergraduate education. The CARE office is available as a surrogate “home base” for many students who are leaving home and becoming independent for the first time in their lives.

How Do I Benefit as a Program Participant?

Students admitted to FSU through the CARE Summer Bridge Program will participate in a seven-week program in which they will:

• Live in campus housing with other participants, staff and upper class students who will serve as counselors and guides during the summer
• Receive comprehensive orientation to campus and academic requirements
• Take institutional placement tests (if needed)
• Take freshman level or preparatory level classes of up to 7 credit hours (based on placement or college entrance test scores)
• Get to meet key university faculty, staff and administrators

When student participants return in the fall, they are adjusted to student life and well acquainted with the campus and important university personnel. In addition, they have developed good study habits and time management skills.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Prospective students should submit a CARE Summer Bridge Program application at the same time they apply for admission to the university. Both applications should be sent directly to the FSU Office of Admissions. It is strongly recommended that students apply as early as possible during the fall term of their senior year in high school. The application deadline is January 21, 2009.

Students participating in the 2008 CARE Summer Bridge Program need to submit the 2008 Participation Agreement and the 2008-2009 FAFSA which awards financial aid for the CARE Summer Bridge Program.

Questions or comments? Would you like to request additional information?
Please contact: FSU CARE
c/o Summer Bridge Program
Tallahassee, Fl 32306-2450
(850) 644-9699 care@admin.fsu.edu

To download CARE Summer Bridge Program Application (needs Adobe Acrobat Reader):

2009 CARE Application