Summer Bridge Program

The Bridge Scholars Program brings new first-year students to campus early to jump-start their college success, strengthen their sense of belonging, and build the skills, support, and confidence needed for retention, completion, and long-term success at UNCW and beyond.  

The Bridge Scholars Program will focus on four overarching themes:  

• Financial Literacy: Understand and manage your finances effectively to make informed decisions about your personal and educational expenses.  
• Social and Community Engagement: Actively participate in campus activities and community service to build meaningful relationships and contribute to societal well-being.  
• Academic Excellence: Develop strategies and habits that will help you achieve and maintain high academic standards. Enhance your analytical, writing, and study skills to excel in coursework and research starting from the summer bridge three-week program up until graduation.  
• Time Management and Mindfulness: Learn techniques to balance academic demands with personal well-being for a healthier, more productive college experience.   

The Bridge Scholars Program will aim to recruit and support first-year students from the following backgrounds:  

• First Generation Students 
• North Carolina Residents from Low Ascending Counties (Tiers 1 and 2) 
• Students who have participated in a federal, state, or local program that support students from low-income families  

The Bridge Scholars Program has a distinct program structure to ensure college preparation and continued academic success, which will include professional development, networking, and community awareness alongside the completion of LED 211 – Principles of Leadership. 

The Bridge Scholars Program is committed to making participation as accessible and affordable as possible. 

What students are responsible for: 

• Books and course supplies for LED 211 – Principles of Leadership 

What the Bridge Scholars Program covers:  

• On-campus housing for each participant 
• Meal plan for the duration of the program 
• All engagement and co-curricular activities 
• Tuition and fees for Summer II 2027

To be considered, please submit the 2026–2027 FAFSA by April 15, 2027. If a student completes the FAFSA application and does not qualify for any financial aid, BSP will cover tuition, room, and board costs. In addition, students may be eligible for scholarships and/or grants to support their participation.

The Spring Virtual Information sessions sign up link will be available early January 2027 and through the invitations sent from the Admissions Portal. 

Invitations will be sent to eligible admitted students approximately two weeks after Early Action and Regular Decision notifications are released. 

Will I earn credits towards my degree? 

Yes, Bridge Scholars complete LED 211 – Principles of Leadership (3-credit course) during the 3-week residential component of the program. Support continues after the summer program concludes, throughout the student’s first year and all the way to graduation. 

When do I have to be on campus? 

Monday, July 5, 2027, through Friday, July 23, 2027.

Is the program residential?  

Yes. The Bridge Scholars Program is a fully residential experience, allowing students to live on campus, build community, and become comfortable navigating UNCW before the fall semester begins. 

How much do I have to pay?  

The Bridge Scholars Program is committed to making participation accessible and affordable. 

The Bridge Scholars Program applies eligible financial aid first, then covers the remaining costs associated with:

• Tuition and fees for Summer II 2027
• Room and board (on-campus housing) 
• Meal plan for the full duration of the program
• All engagement and co-curricular activities, including transportation

Bridge Scholars are responsible for:  

• LED 211 books and course supplies (up to $250)
• Personal items and expenses, including linens, toiletries, laundry, medications, snacks, and discretionary spending
• Transportation to and from campus
• A campus parking permit, if bringing a vehicle 

When do I commit? 

We encourage invited Bridge Scholars to commit as early as possible to allow time to complete required digital paperwork, including the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 FAFSA, and to participate in early registration with the Center for Academic Advising for Fall 2027 courses. To accept an invitation and secure a place in the program, students must submit their UNCW enrollment deposit first. If the program reaches its enrollment target of 35 Scholars before May 1, recruitment will close and a waitlist will be established. The official commitment deadline is May 1 each year. 

Do you have a social media account? 

Yes, we do. Follow us on Instagram!