Summer Bridge Program | Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement

Summer Bridge Program

The CARE Summer Bridge Program (SBP) provides a comprehensive program of orientation and academic support designed to ease the transition from high school to college while building a strong academic foundation. Applicants selected to participate in CARE will be first-generation college students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds who have demonstrated a strong desire to succeed.

First-generation is defined as

An individual whose natural or adoptive parents did not receive a bachelor's degree;
An individual who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not receive a bachelor's degree; or
An individual who, prior to the age of 18, did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or an adoptive parent.

*If a student meets ANY of the above definitions, they are not considered first-generation for the purpose of CARE.

Summer Bridge Program Experience

All CARE participants will live together in campus housing during the initial summer term, along with current Florida State students who will serve as residential peer counselors, guides, and mentors. Participants will also:

Tour campus facilities and the local community
Meet key University faculty, staff, and administrators who will become part of the student's support system
Meet campus student leaders to learn more about what the University has to offer
Participate in cultural enrichment activities
Have fun and make lifelong friends.

Students admitted to the University through CARE will begin their studies during the summer term. Throughout the remainder of their enrollment at FSU, they will participate in a variety of required and optional activities to ensure successful completion of their bachelor's degree.