Benefits of Becoming a Summer Bridge Scholar
Through this experience, Summer Bridge Scholars are better prepared to enter college and also develop a sense of connectedness to the UMKC campus and the larger Kansas City community. Scholars who successfully meet our program requirements (see below) are eligible to be fully admitted to the university and no longer have a provisional admission status.
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2023 Summer Bridge Scholars Program Details
The Summer Bridge Scholars program will offer both online and on-campus components. The entire eight-week program will run from June 5, 2023to July 28, 2023.
Online program (June 5 - June 23)
Scholars will participate in the first three weeks of the program virtually. Students will participate in engaging and interactive online programming from 9AM-5PM Monday-Friday during these three weeks. While many of the activities will be computer-based, please know that students will not be stationed at a screen for the full eight hours each day.
On-campus program (June 26 - July 28)
Scholars who successfully complete the first three weeks of the online program with a 90% or higher attendance rate will transition to the last five weeks of the program, which will be an on-campus experience. Students will reside in the residence hall, be enrolled in two five-week courses, and participate in academic support programming from 9AM-5PM Monday-Friday during these five weeks. *Move-in day will be Friday, June 23, 2023.
Academic preparedness
Scholars will have the unique opportunity to enroll in two five-week summer courses that fulfill degree requirements to give them a head start on their first year of coursework at UMKC.
Each scholar's course enrollment will be determined in consultation with their academic advisor. Because each course is selected based on the scholar's major, courses will vary. The Summer Bridge Scholars program coordinator will communicate these options with scholars. Each Summer Bridge Scholar will finish the summer session with at least four college credits.
To ensure academic success, each scholar will participate in academic support services including Supplemental Instruction, Writing Studio and UMKC Tutoring.
Cultural Enrichment
Scholars will gain knowledge of diverse cultures, cross-cultural communication, the dynamics of privilege and oppression, and the uses of power between groups. They will develop and explore their own competence regarding the dimensions of difference, especially as it relates to others in their communities. Scholars will gain knowledge about notable historical and political figures in the Kansas City community. Finally, scholars will be challenged to examine their own perceptions about the history and influence of people of color in the Kansas City community.
Professional development
Scholars will be introduced to the resources provided by UMKC Career Services. Scholars will learn professional networking skills, interview strategies and resume-building through seminars and interactive activities. Scholars will also have the opportunity to participate in networking events over the summer and connect with an on-campus professional mentor.
Peer mentoring
Scholars will spend be placed into a smaller cohort with other scholars and be paired with a peer mentor, who will be a current UMKC student or recent graduate. Each week, scholars will engage in group team-building sessions as well as one-to-one mentoring sessions. Peer mentors will provide scholars with engaging workshops on topics such as balancing academic and social life, the importance of student involvement on campus, practicing self-care, communication skills, time management and organization, setting boundaries with family members, accessing community resources, and campus navigation.
For more information on the program, check the Summer Bridge Scholar's FAQ page.
