Summer Program

Precollege students in a classroom attending a presentation.

The Summer Bridge Scholars Program at the is a four-week academic and residential experience that helps selected students transition smoothly into college life. The program offers an early introduction to campus, university-level coursework, and opportunities to connect with peers, faculty and staff. 

Through classes, mentorship, and co-curricular activities, participants strengthen their academic skills, build confidence and develop the tools needed for success at CU Boulder. Serving as a strong foundation for the first year, the program fosters community, belonging and readiness for the college experience. The program offers the following: 

  • Free Housing & Meals
  • Free 6 credit hour college courses
  • Students Build a Peer Community cohort
  • Access to Faculty & Staff Support
  • Paired with a Peer Mentor Leader
  • Receive a one-time participation stipend
  • Participant in a CU LEAD Alliance Academic Neighborhood
  • Engage in programming with the Bridge Scholars Program throughout their years at CU
  • Receive a $2,000 Boulder Bridge Ignite Scholarship for 5 years or  
  • Receive a $10,000 Boulder Bridge Scholars for 4 years with admission decision  
  • Participants will continue to be paired with a Peer Mentor Leader for their freshman year, meeting once a month.

Program Benefits

  • Get to know CU Boulder through an intensive introductory four-week summer residential academic “bridge” program that allows students to learn about the many resources available to help them transition to campus and succeed at the university.
  • Earn six credit hours through the following two courses: LEAD 1000 and WRTG 1150, with tuition paid by the program. Also, gain an understanding of academic success, financial literacy, self-development, and resources on campus through the non-credit CU 101 and health classes.
  • Participate in a cohort experience that allows students to build a close-knit peer community
  • Have access to a Peer Mentor Leader who will help Bridge students adjust to the environment of CU Boulder
  • Participant in a CU LEAD Alliance Academic Neighborhood while attending CU Boulder to receive a renewable scholarship for up to five years
  • Offer opportunities to engage in Academic and Community/Leadership Development Activities, Professional and Career Development

1-day Precollege Bridge Program

​Those students who did not have the opportunity to join the summer bridge scholars program students will be required to attend a 1-day Bridge Scholars Program that provides a chance to gain valuable insights into the program, academic expectations, available resources, and an opportunity to connect with faculty and fellow participants and assist students in their transitioning into the . For more information about the 1-day Bridge Scholars Program, please contact the Bridge Scholars Team at precollegebridge@colorado.edu.

Program Eligibility 

  • Successfully completed a precollegiate program at any of the University of Colorado campuses, the University of Colorado Upward Bound program or any of the university’s statewide partner programs
  • Incoming freshman confirmed to .
  • Must continue participation in the Bridge Scholars Program which also includes participation in a CU LEAD Alliance program to maintain scholarship eligibility. 
    Or
  • Must continue participation in the Bridge Scholars Program to maintain scholarship eligibility.