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Summer Bridge Program

A two-week program designed for highly motivated incoming first-year students who are interested in building a strong foundation for their experience at Hope.

August 5–16, 2024

The Summer Bridge Program is for incoming first-year students who have received an invitation and have completed a program application. This is not the same as orientation or class registration. Through this program, you’ll get a preview of college life — both inside and outside the classroom. It offers close contact with some of Hope’s best faculty, staff and student leaders.

Review of applications will begin in May of 2024 and through June of 2024.

The program includes:

One credit hour, natural and applied sciences
One credit hour, Engl 195: Introduction to College Writing
Peer mentoring
Faculty mentoring and coaching
Leadership development
Exploration of calling and purpose
Two weeks of room and board

The only cost for the program will be a $225 fee* charged to your Hope account to offset some of the cost for the room and board for the two weeks, plus the two credit hours you will receive toward your degree.

*This fee may be waived for students who show significant financial need as determined by the FAFSA.

MORE INFORMATION

WHAT TO EXPECT

While each person's academic and personal journey is different, this program offers you the opportunity to transition to college by using your motivation and dedication to cultivate a positive experience at Hope. If you were invited to apply for Summer Bridge, we affirm your willingness to work hard and be empowered by faculty, staff and students during this experience.

Here is what to expect:

Two weeks of college-level courses in which you will take a natural and applied science course and an English course for one credit each. During week one you will spend three to four hours of class time a day in one of the above content areas and in week two, you will spend the same amount of time in the other content area.
Independent work time to complete course requirements
Complete pre-arrival course work and readings as assigned
Individual and group advising and mentoring from Hope faculty, staff and students
Excursions in Holland, including trips to Lake Michigan and other regional attractions
Two-week residential experience.
Two credit hours that counts toward your graduation requirements

SCHEDULE/WHAT TO BRING

More information will be available in July.

IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT

If you've been invited to the Summer Bridge Program and can’t make it, or were placed on the waiting list, that’s okay. This program is not required. You can still be successful at Hope if you don’t attend.

PROGRAM FACULTY & CONTACT

Student Coordinators

Victor Vigil
Hope Watts

If you have questions about the Summer Bridge Program, contact us at summerbridge@hope.edu.

Summer Bridge Directors

Erin Drews

Resident Director of Gilmore Hall, Program Coordinator of the Hope Forward Program, and Co-Director of the Summer Bridge Program

drews@hope.edu

Stanley Duncan

Advisor and Coordinator of Student Learning Communities and Co-Director of the Summer Bridge Program

duncan@hope.edu