Your Bridge to Success
Summer 2025
The Summer Bridge Program at Bucks County Community College is designed to ease and support your transition to college by providing the academic skills and social resources needed to succeed in a college environment. Our 7-week program will give you a head-start on academic coursework and includes:
- An in-depth introduction 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 your needs.
- Workshops with the Academic Success Center
- Lunch-time chats & activities
- Tutoring and peer mentoring
Apply to Summer Bridge
Application Deadline
June 18
Program Dates
June 25-August 13
Orientation
June 25 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Course offerings
Mix and match courses ranging from 1 to 6 credits in Composition, Reading, Math and College Success. Summer Session III courses run from July 9 to August 13.
Composition
COMP-090 Basic Writing (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.
COMP-107 Introduction to Academic Writing (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.
COMP-110 English Composition I (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
MATH-090 Prealgebra (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.
MATH-095 Basic Algebra (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
GUID-101 Introduction to Guided Studies (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
READ-089 Fast Track Reading (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.
READ-090 Introduction to College Reading (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.
READ-110 College Reading and Study Strategies (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
COLL-105 Strategic Learning Seminar (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
- After applying to Bucks, you will need to take placement tests for reading and writing. We also strongly recommend taking the math assessment at the same time. Learn more about placement testing and exemptions.
- Once you've completed placement testing, email summerbridge@bucks.edu to schedule an advising appointment to plan your course schedule.
Orientation
The program kicks off with orientation on Wednesday, June 25 from 10:30am-12:30pm. Held on the Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks or the Newtown Campus, depending on your course location, this event allows you to familiarize yourself with the campus, meet peers, and faculty members, and learn about support services, all in preparation for your first day of class.
Engaging and fun
Workshops
A highlight of the Summer Bridge Program is the engaging workshops and activities designed with your success in mind! From dynamic speakers to a exciting activities, our programming instills practical experience with the skills needed to be successful as a college student. You'll participate in the 30-minute workshops throughout the program. Workshops will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays between noon and 2 p.m. Requirements and further details will be shared before the start of the program.
Tutoring and peer mentoring
Both tutoring and peer mentoring are required parts of the program. To further set you up for success in your academic career, you will have multiple opportunities to connect with tutors and Success Advocates (SA). These no-cost services are provided by the Academic Success Center (ASC). Drop-in hours will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, and appointments can also be made at a time that works best for you.
Tuition & Fees
There is no additional cost for the Summer Bridge Program. However, you are responsible for the tuition, fees and textbook costs for the courses in which you enroll.
Scholarships are available. Current high school students may be eligible for free or reduced tuition.
Summer Bridge Program Scholarship
The Summer Bridge Program Scholarship is open to all summer bridge participants and awards a minimum of $200 to eligible students. We encourage you to apply as soon as you enroll in the program.
Additional scholarships are available through ScholarshipUniverse, the College's scholarship-matching tool. To learn more about scholarships, review the frequently asked questions, watch the tutorial or contact scholarships@bucks.edu.
Steps to apply
Ready to apply? Follow these steps to enroll in Summer Bridge.
- Apply to Bucks and obtain a student number
- Take the placement tests for reading and writing. We also strongly encourage you to take the math placement test.
- Submit the Summer Bridge application
- Email summerbridge@bucks.edu to request an advising appointment
The Summer Bridge Program is being offered by the Language & Literature Department in collaboration with the STEM Department and the Academic Success Center.
Contact Us
Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
