Summer Bridge ProgramOverview of the Summer Bridge Program
The Summer Bridge Program (SBP) 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.
SBP Description
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.
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 C.A.R.E. 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. To include an introduction to a variety of social, service and leadership opportunities on campus and in the local community.
Advocacy and Support Services – C.A.R.E. staff will continue to support and advocate on behalf of SBP participants as needed while they complete their undergraduate education. The C.A.R.E. 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.
Benefits to the SBP Participant
Students admitted to FSU through the C.A.R.E. 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 peer 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.
Qualifications
The majority of applicants selected for the SBP will be first-generation college students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who have demonstrated a strong desire to succeed. In addition, applicants must:
- Be a Legal Florida residents
- Have a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 2.5
- Attain a minimum composite SAT score of 1330 or an ACT composite score of 19
Application Process
Prospective students should submit a SBP application at the same time they apply for admission to the Florida State 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.
If you would like to be considered for admission to Florida State University through the C.A.R.E. program, you must first:
- 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 every test taken.
- Submit a copy of the 2008 signed tax return or other proof of income which indicates the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of your family household.
- Complete the 2009-2010 FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov/. The FAFSA FSU Code is 001489.
- Complete the 2010-2011 online FASFA application on January 1st
- Submit two letters of support (one should be from your high school guidance counselor).
- Submit an attached essay indicating why you would like to participate in the C.A.R.E. Summer Bridge Program.
For full consideration, all documents should be submitted as early as possible, but no later than January 20, 2010. The University reserves the right to close C.A.R.E. admission earlier, if warranted by enrollment limitations and the number of applications received. |
