Summer Bridge
Summer Bridge
Summer Bridge Program
The Summer Bridge Program at Bucks is designed to ease and support the transition to college by providing students with the academic skills and social resources needed to succeed in a college environment.
Summer Bridge Application
Not a Bucks student yet? Apply now (it's free and we're open admission!)
Program Details
Orientation with Bridge Staff & Faculty - June 26, 2023
Program runs July 5 - August 11, 2023
The Program will allow students to get a head-start on their academic coursework in a 7-week program at the Newtown campus that will involve:
- In-depth orientation to college life and resources
- Academic advising
- Training in skills necessary for college success (e.g., time management & study skills)
- Enrollment in courses specific to students' needs.
- Open Lab time
- Computer skills Workshops – 1 time/week
- Academic Success Center Workshop Offerings
- Lunch & Visitors
- Tutoring Requirement – 3 times
- Peer Mentoring Assistance
- Fall Follow-up Meetings and Workshops
Course Offerings
All in-person courses will be held at the Newtown Campus.
Composition
COMP090 (3 credits)
By writing short compositions, through a process of pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing, students improve both grammar and usage and composition development and organization. Course readings serve as sources and models for writing. This course prepares students for subsequent composition courses.
COMP107 (3 credits)
To prepare students for COMP110, this course emphasizes paragraph development in academic, text-based essay assignments. Instructors guide students through the writing process, which requires critical thinking and decision-making in the use of evidence, sources, and rhetorical modes for effective paragraphs and essays.
COMP110 (3 credits)
English Composition I emphasizes the systematic study of writing effective expository prose and argumentation, stressing development and support of a clear thesis. The focus of the course is to lay the foundation for future academic writing requirements, including the ability to analyze, synthesize, evaluate, summarize, paraphrase, and cite textual sources from required course readings.
Mathematics
MATH090 (3 credits)
This course provides preparation for study in algebra. Topics include a review of basic arithmetic skills, fractions, and decimals, an introduction to signed numbers, variables, equation solving, and data analysis. Transferability is determined by transfer institution.
MATH095 (3 credits)
This is an introductory course in Algebra. Topics include operations with numerical and algebraic expressions, solving linear and absolute value equations and inequalities; factoring polynomials, solving quadratic equations, and graphing linear equations and inequalities. Study skills are also emphasized. Transferability is determined by transfer institution.
Guided Studies
GUID101 (1 credit)
Students in this course develop self-awareness, critical thinking skills, and problem solving techniques to identify credit and/or non-credit learning opportunities aligned with their academic and/or professional interests, and plan accordingly.
Reading
READ089 (1 credit)
Through the use of an individualized, web-based learning system and instructor-guided group instruction, this course develops the reading competencies required for academic success. Emphasis is on the development of basic reading comprehension skills and the application of these skills and other strategies for increased reading proficiency.
READ090 (3 credits)
This introductory course develops students' ability to apply, monitor and adjust a variety of reading strategies for increased comprehension and metacognitive awareness. The focus of this course is to develop the reading competencies necessary for success in college-level courses.
READ110 (3 credits)
This course develops and improves reading comprehension skills and learning strategies to enhance academic performance across the curriculum. Emphasis is on the application of comprehension, critical thinking, and study strategies to college course material.
College Success
COLL105 (1 credit)
This strategic learning course provides students with a comprehensive approach to learning that integrates study techniques and self-management strategies to facilitate academic success in college.
Placement Testing & Advising
- Students must the take the Placement Tests for reading and writing (if pre-requisites not met). Taking the math placement test is highly recommended (if pre-requisites not met).
- Advising – After testing, students should contact summerbridge@bucks.edu to schedule an advising appointment to plan their course schedule.
Orientation
The week before classes begin, we will hold a week of orientation events and activities, both in-person and virtually. The in-person orientation will be held on June 26th on the Newtown Campus. More specific details, including the room location, will be posted soon; however, this event will provide an opportunity for students to meet their peers, faculty members, and support services on campus so that they are best prepared to begin their college careers the following week.
Workshops
Throughout the program, workshops will be offered to help students gain a deeper understanding of and some practical experience with the skills needed to be successful as a college student. Workshops will be offered face-to-face and virtually so that all students may participate. Specific workshop requirements will be outlined; however, students will be expected to participate in 30-minute workshops over the course of the 7-week program. In-person workshops will be offered during the programming on Mondays and Wednesdays between 12:00pm-2:00pm.
Tutoring & Peer Mentoring
Both tutoring and peer mentoring are required parts of the Summer Bridge Program in order to ensure that students have the support they need to be successful throughout their academic career. Tutors and peer mentors will be available for drop-in times during the Monday and Wednesday programming time. If you need additional sessions with tutors or peer mentors, you can schedule a time that works best for you.
Tutors are available within the Academic Success Center (ASC) to provide support for approximately 30 subjects at Bucks, including reading, writing, and study skills for any course. In addition to tutors, the ASC provides peer mentoring with Success Advocates (SAs). The SAs are fellow students who can help you get connected to Bucks and acclimate to the life of a college student. For more information about what the ASC can help you with, visit our Academic Success Center site.
Scholarship Opportunities
Summer Bridge Program scholarship applications are currently being accepted for new, current, and returning students. Visit our Scholarships area for additional instructions. Be sure to watch the scholarship tutorial video. After logging in to Scholarship Universe, answer the questions to build your profile. To find the Summer Bridge Program Scholarship in Scholarship Universe, type Summer Bridge in the search bar. Scholarship application questions can be directed to scholarships@bucks.edu.
Rising high school seniors (current juniors) are eligible to receive free tuition for one to six credits! But hurry – the deadline to apply is June 10th. Click on the Application link and complete the form. No scholarship application is needed. Please e-mail any questions to summerbridge@bucks.edu.
Nicole Tracey
Lang & Lit Dean
Lauren Humphries
ASC Director
Meg Eubank
Reading Coordinator
Sharon Estes
Composition Coordinator
