Summer Bridge Program
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The Summer Bridge program allows new incoming graduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds to begin their graduate education at UGA in the summer semester rather than the fall. The Graduate School defines underrepresented as those who self-identify with an ethnic/racial group, income background or gender in a particular discipline that has not been traditionally represented in higher education. Underrepresented also includes first generation and non-traditional age college students.
The purpose of Summer Bridge is to provide participating students with a stimulating intellectual, professional, and social introduction to the University of Georgia as they transition into graduate education. Students will be required to register for 3 credit hours during the summer thru-session. These hours can include directed study, especially for research projects, or at least one regular course offered by the department. In return, the student will receive mentorship, socialization opportunities, and insight into disciplinary research from the faculty in the department. Summer Bridge students will also be provided weekly seminars to discuss topics such as resources for graduate students, time management skills, study strategies, writing research papers, etc. Students participating in Summer Bridge will receive a stipend in two installments during the program. The amount of the stipend will depend on whether they are pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree.
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A UGA faculty member works very closely with the Summer Bridge students and participating departmental faculty to help guide and mentor the program experience. Following the summer experience, all Summer Bridge students are offered continued mentorship throughout their matriculation at the University of Georgia.
Summer Bridge seeks to foster the varied educational experiences that help all students to be prepared for an increasingly diverse society and workforce. The Summer Bridge program will not only benefit these incoming graduate students, but also enrich the University of Georgia graduate community with greater diversity. Moreover, the program will instill the student body with different perspectives for the classroom, while continuing to enhance the workforce and society by bringing more students from diverse backgrounds to our campus.
Students who have been admitted to the University of Georgia for the upcoming fall semester must be nominated by their Graduate Coordinator to participate in the Summer Bridge program. Interested students should contact their departmental Graduate Coordinator to learn more about the nomination process.
Outreach and Diversity
(706) 425-3205/3206 [office]
(706) 425-3093 [fax]
grecruit@uga.edu
