CARE Students have an impact and graduate!
CARE alumi Ashley Gonzalez-Ferraro and D'Vodrek Ponder reflect on their collegiate journey, which includes successes for themselves, their families and students following behind them.
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What is the Summer Bridge Program?
The Summer Bridge Program (SBP) is designed to provide a comprehensive orientation and transition experience for first-generation college students who are also from limited income families (eligible for Pell-Grant). SBP is a seven-week intensive experience followed by continued support through completion of the bachelor's degree at FSU.
SBP and CARE staff will contribute to your success at Florida State and beyond by:
- Facilitating your connection to FSU, faculty/staff and your fellow students.
- Introducing you to the academic expectations of being an FSU student.
- Providing you with access to academic support and engagement opportunities.
- Assisting you in each transition throughout your college life.
eligible Participants
SBP is open to new first-year, first-generation college students. First-Generation status is defined as neither parent (biological or adoptive) possessing a bachelor's degree OR having regularly resided with and received support from only one parent who does not have a bachelor's degree. Furthermore, participants must also be eligible for Pell Grant based on FAFSA.
Application
Review the qualifications for Summer Bridge prior to beginning your application. You can complete the Common App or FSU Application to apply to the University. For more information on how to complete the FSU admissions application and view deadlines, visit here.
Key Program Information
Students admitted to Summer Bridge for Summer 2026 will officially begin on June 13, 2026, and end on July 31, 2026! After a week of orientation programming, classes will begin on June 22. The dates are not flexible or negotiable, and attendance is required to maintain admission.
SBP Experience
SBP participants will have a mix of academic and student development focused experiences designed to support their success as an FSU student. Each participant is expected to engage in the following activities and be a responsible member of the program:
- Complete required academic coursework, including two 3-credit hour CoreFSU courses during the summer semester.
- Meet one-on-one or in small groups with an assigned CARE Ambassador, who is a continuing FSU student trained to be a peer mentor and resource for your transition.
- Attend CARE-wide engagement programming such as Alumni Networking, Meet the Faculty, General Assemblies and others.
- Engage in academic support activities such as study groups or tutoring.
- Complete specific requirements each semester of enrollment after the summer experience to maintain access to the CARE Grant.
Being a CARE Student
As a Summer Bridge Program participant, you are considered a CARE student, which provides you with access to support services during and after your first year. CARE’s extensive support network has propelled FSU’s retention and graduation rates for first-generation college students well above the national averages.
During your FSU experience, you will have access to additional academic advisors, college life coaching, tutoring, CARE-specific scholarships and more! CARE staff will conduct semesterly check-ins with you and also communicate opportunities that will allow you to thrive at Florida State and beyond.
More Information
You can review our frequently asked questions about Summer Bridge Program to gain more insight. Also, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@fsu.edu with specific questions about your admissions application. Please email CARE staff at care@fsu.edu with questions about the Summer Bridge Program experience or the CARE department.