Congratulations to the Bridge Class of Summer 2009!
All summer 2009 Bridge students earned above a 3.0 GPA in six credits of course work - way to start your college career!!!
According to our grant guidelines, "TRiO Upward Bound Programs may provide a summer bridge component to Upward Bound participants who have graduated from secondary school and intend to enroll in an institution of higher education in the following fall term. A summer Bridge component provides participants with services and activities, including college courses, that aid in the transition from secondary education to postsecondary education".
All members of the Class of 2009 will automatically receive both a Senior Survey II and a Bridge Application, mailed February 18. This application will include a questionnaire, required essays and a recommendation form completed by your academic tutor. Interested students must submit the application by the posted deadline, March 13.
You can't Bridge unless you have a college or university to "bridge" to, so the SAT/ACT and college applications should be your #1 and #2 priorities this fall. Attend your center meetings regularly and attend Senior Seminar Series events as needed. The development of this series is a direct result of feedback from former alumni and has been designed to meet your unique needs as a senior! Refer to your TRiO UB@BU Requirements Handout which lists in detail all of the responsibilities of Bounders from the time they enter the program through their graduation from high school. If you have followed and continue to follow these guidelines, you are well on your well to meeting many of the Bridge Program criteria. Remember the road to Bridge began when you first enrolled in TRiO UB@BU and includes your journey along the way.
We consider the Bridge program to be an honor, awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to TRiO UB@BU throughout their high school career. This commitment is demonstrated in many ways; through attendance, active program participation, serving as a role model to your peers, following program guidelines, making academic progress and much more. The majority of our seniors have made such a commitment and therefore narrowing it down will be a tall order for our staff.
The college tuition, fees, room and board for a Bridge student totals approximately $2,500. Add textbooks, academic stipends and travel costs associated with educational field experiences and that total is much closer to $3,000 per Bridge student - so cost plays a factor as well.
If you feel that you have given TRiO UB@BU your best, then that would be a very unfortunate decision. You never know unless you try. Don't sell yourself short. Granted, there will be qualified applicants that we will be unable to accept, however if you choose not to apply at all, you not only guarantee that you won't be a part of the Bridge program, you make the process less competitive for your peers.
While TRiO UB@BU may excuse a week long absence during the traditional summer program, absences for Bridge students are not permitted. Bridge students take six credits of college level coursework in a six week period, as a result, content that would normally be spread out over a sixteen week semester is condensed into a six week session - complete with readings, homework, quizzes and final exams.
Many seniors have the opportunity to begin their college experience in June or July as a summer freshman, TRiO Summer Scholar or ACT 101/EOP student. Please do not be discouraged that this prohibits you from Bridging. The Bridge program is six credits - your college acceptance, be it fall or summer, is your ticket to a four year postsecondary degree!