UVA Engineering Summer Bridge Program
Bridge is a free, three-week summer program that introduces first-year students to Grounds and the many opportunities and resources available to UVA Engineering students
How to Apply
Applications are now open for the 2026 Bridge Program for incoming UVA Engineering students.
Program Dates: July 8, 2026 – July 31, 2026
Applications must be submitted by May 22nd, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Applicants will be notified of their admission decision by May 25th, 2026.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact James Bland, Director, at [email protected].
What Is Bridge?
The Bridge Program at UVA is a comprehensive preparatory initiative designed to equip incoming students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their engineering studies. During the course of the program, participants will:
- Enroll in a 3-credit mathematics course: Emphasizing math is crucial to ensure students are well-prepared for the required Calculus classes in UVA Engineering majors.
- Receive professional development training: Enhancing essential skills for academic and professional success.
- Participate in interactive engineering workshops: Engaging in hands-on experiences to spark interest and deepen understanding.
- Build study skills and strategies: Developing effective methods for managing coursework and academic challenges.
The structure, sequence, and programming of Bridge are informed by quantitative and qualitative data gathered from the Crafting Success for Underrepresented Scientists and Engineers research project. This project focuses on understanding and promoting academic success in STEM majors at the University of Virginia.
Who Applies to Bridge?
Since the 1980s, Bridge has supported students who aim to get a head start on academics, build a strong support network among peers, faculty, and staff, and explore the place they will call home for the next few years. Participants, known as “Bridgers,” gain valuable work and research experience, including opportunities to:
- Present research at prestigious institutions such as Harvard.
- Spearhead community outreach projects in Charlottesville and beyond.
- Collaborate with prominent researchers both in the U.S. and internationally.
- Engage in projects that align with their passions and interests.
Financial support from the School of Engineering and Applied Science covers the cost of tuition, housing, dining, books, and activities. However, participants are responsible for their travel expenses to UVA/Charlottesville.
Goals:
- Provide a smooth transition from high school to college.
- Orient students to campus resources for success.
- Build a supportive network of peers, faculty, and staff.
- Hone math skills and provide a strong foundation for first-semester math placement.
- Support first-generation college students and other students who otherwise may not have considered STEM education or career paths.
Program Components:
- Meetings with faculty: Personal interactions with professors to foster mentorship and guidance.
- Tours of research labs: Exploring cutting-edge facilities and learning about ongoing research.
- Introduction to campus resources: Familiarizing students with the tools and services available for their success.
- Credit-bearing math course: Providing rigorous academic preparation.
- Study strategies & stress management: Equipping students with techniques to handle academic pressures.
- Tours of UVA maker spaces: Discovering innovative spaces where they can bring their ideas to life.
UVA Summer Engineering Bridge FAQs
Bridge is an on-grounds residential program where Bridge students will live/learn with each other for the duration of the summer. This will not replace student's Fall housing placement. Students will have to return home during the period after Bridge and before fall move-in.
The math course is Applied Mathematics (ENGR1559). This is an intensive introduction to the mathematical topics and techniques necessary for success in engineering courses at UVA explicitly designed for the Bridge program. The course will provide in-depth coverage of topics while emphasizing the importance of clear written and oral communication. It’s designed to be helpful for anyone going to Calc I, II, or III in the fall semester. Diana Morris, Assistant Professor of Applied Mathematics at UVA will be the instructor. The final grade will count towards student's UVA grade point average. This will also count as an unrestricted elective.
There is no cost to participate in the Bridge Program. Tuition, housing, meals, and program activities are fully covered by The Connect.
These charges may appear on your Student Information System (SIS) account; however, a department award will be applied to offset the full cost, so you should not be responsible for paying these charges.
Students are only responsible for travel costs associated with returning home after the program and before Fall move-in.
Move-in will occur on July 8th at the Emmet/Page residential hall. All Bridge participants will be automatically enrolled in Session B of orientation on July 9th and July 10th. You will only have to attend session B.
Outside-of-class activities include (not limited to): MatLab and CAD workshops, meetings with UVA Vice Presidents, Engineering Dean, Faculty, and student leaders across the university, tours of campus and Charlottesville, lab tours, trips off grounds, and panels with key support staff within the engineering school (engineering career services, study abroad, financial aid, student disability and accessibility center, etc).
During the academic year you’ll have access to Bridge specific tutoring sessions and workshops, advising from The Connect staff, peer, alumni and alumni mentorship, and 24 hour access to the Center for Connection in Engineering. Bridge students will also be granted priority enrollment for their four years. The Connect staff will also serve as Bridge student’s first year advisor.
James Bland
Katie Alexander
