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 will welcome thirty-five students into the Summer II 2026 semester and run from Sunday, July 5th to Friday, July 24, 2026. 
• Students must accept and commit to the Summer Bridge Program by May 1 through the Admissions portal. 

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: 

• Tuition and fees for Summer II 2026 
• On-campus housing for each participant 
• Meal plan for the duration of the program 
• All engagement and co-curricular activities 
• End-of-program luncheon 

Financial Aid Information 

To be considered, please submit the 2025–2026 FAFSA by May 1, 2026. If a student completes the FAFSA but does not qualify for 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 Bi-weekly Virtual Information sessions sign up link will be available late January 2026 and through the invitations sent from the Admissions Portal 

Invitations to admitted students will be sent about two weeks after Early Action and Regular Decision notifications. 

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? 

The program will run from: 

Sunday, July 5, 2026 
Friday, July 24, 2026 

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. 

What students are responsible for: 

• Books and course (up to $250) in supplies for LED 211 – Principles of Leadership 

What the Bridge Scholars Program covers: 

• Tuition and fees for Summer II 2026 
• On-campus housing 
• Meal plan for the full duration of the program 
• All engagement and co-curricular activities 
• End-of-program luncheon 

When do I commit? 

We encourage Bridge Scholars to commit as early as possible to allow adequate time to complete required digital paperwork, including the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 FAFSA and early registration with the Center for Academic Advisement for Fall 2026 courses. 

If the program reaches the recruitment target (35 Scholars) early, the program 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!

In-coming Cohort 5 | Summer 2026 

Important Dates & Mandatory Scholar Meetings 

The University of North Carolina Wilmington Bridge Scholars Program is excited to welcome Cohort 5 for Summer 2026. To support a successful transition to college life, all Scholars are required to attend the following mandatory virtual onboarding meetings: 

• Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.  

• Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.  

• Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.  

These meetings will cover important topics including course registration, summer housing, meal plans, billing, program expectations, and final arrival details. 

Accepted Scholars will receive a zoom link via email by May 22, 2026. 

Interested in Joining BSP this July 2026? 

We currently have a limited number of waitlist seats available for Summer 2026. First-generation students who are interested in joining the Bridge Scholars Program are encouraged to complete the BSP Interest Form as soon as possible here. 

If you are unable to access the form, please contact the Bridge Scholars Program Director, Ms. Ingrid Dearborn-De León, at dearborni@uncw.edu