Engineering Summer Bridge

Penn State College of Engineering is committed to providing access to programs and opportunities to all qualified students without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Engineering Summer Bridge is an academic summer program to help incoming first-year students prepare for their engineering major. The program also includes structured social and cultural events that encourage students to build relationships with each other and relate in-class activities to out-of-class experiences. We guide participants toward academic success to give them a head start in the challenging yet rewarding fields of engineering and science.

A Closer Look

Engineering Summer Bridge students have the advantage of an early transition to the college pace and, in particular, to the College of Engineering’s curriculum. Group study sessions are incorporated into the schedule, along with professional development workshops, and cultural immersion opportunities, enhancing the classroom experience.

Engineering Summer Bridge previews:

• Pre-calculus
• Calculus
• Meta-cognition
• College study skills
• Robotic Competition
• Peer mentoring
• Campus life orientation
• Exploration of engineering majors
• Course scheduling strategies
• Networking with current students
• Reside in the FISE special living option during the academic year

Why Do It?

Our research indicates that our students tend to benefit from the Engineering Summer Bridge program in specific ways. Engineering Summer Bridge participants:

• Have higher GPAs than non-participants
• Are more likely to graduate from the College of Engineering
• Are more likely to land competitive-salary internships, co-ops, and full-time employment
• Acclimate more easily to the college environment
• Build an extensive network of lifelong friends
• Learn effective college study skills

Cost

The residential program costs $1,500 and includes room and board, course materials, professional development programs, and additional services provided throughout the summer experience. Financial assistance for Summer Bridge may be available on a case-by-case basis. Eligibility is based on demonstrated need and FAFSA review. You may access the FAFSA link at this link. Please complete the 2023-24 FAFSA using 2021 tax information. If you are unable to cover the full expense of the program, please briefly detail your financial background in your application. 

Sample Agenda

Weeks 2-6 Standard Agenda.

All times in Eastern, agenda subject to change.

Monday – Thursday

• 7:00 – 7:45 a.m.: Breakfast
• 8:00 – 9:20 a.m.: Metacognition Course/Facilitation
• 9:30 – 11:20 a.m.: Math Course
• 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.: Lunch
• 1:00 – 2:50 p.m.: Project Challenge  
• 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.: Chemistry Course
• 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.: Dinner
• 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Review Session

Friday

• 7:00 – 7:45 a.m.: Breakfast
• 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.: Math Quiz  
• 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.: Math Review Session
• 11:30 am – 12:50 p.m.: Lunch
• 1:00 – 2:50 p.m.: Project Challenge  
• 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.: Enrichment
• 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.: Dinner
• 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Fun Activity

Saturday

• 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.: Breakfast
• 10:00 am – 5:00 p.m.: Excursion (with lunch provided)

Sunday

• 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Brunch