Students · July 20, 2026
Summer Bridge Program Doubles in Size for Incoming First-Generation Students
The two-week, pre-fall academic and social transition program grew from 40 to about 85 students this summer.
The Summer Bridge Program, a two-week residential program that gets incoming first-generation and historically underrepresented students onto campus before the fall rush, roughly doubled in size this year, from about 40 participants to 85, after a state grant covered additional staffing and housing costs.
Participants take a light academic course for credit, meet with advisors and financial-aid staff one-on-one, and move into their fall housing assignment a week early, avoiding the chaos of full move-in weekend.
“Showing up in August already knowing where the writing center is and having a friend in your building changes the whole first semester.”
— program director
Early data from past cohorts shows Bridge participants persisting to sophomore year at a higher rate than first-generation students who did not participate, though the office is careful to note the group is self-selected.
Contact: Office of University Communications, news@uwporterfalls.edu
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