The Bridge Scholars' Program, a division of the ASC, began in 1997 as part of the ENABLE grant funded through Lilly Endowment. The primary goals of the Bridge Scholars' Program are:
High School counselors recommend seniors who meet the criteria as listed below. The Bridge Scholars' Program is currently active in the following eleven area high schools:
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Bridge students are admitted to the University through the same admissions process and procedures as all other high school students.
The goal of the high school component of the Bridge Scholars' Program is to “demystify” the University experience for students unfamiliar with college life. This is done through a variety of activities and campus visits. During the first campus visit, the students are introduced to the various campus offices and receive a tour of campus. During another visit, the students shadow current University students to classes and around campus to get an idea of what a typical college student's day is like. Meetings are also held with parents to help them understand the processes involved in applying to colleges and to help them with completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
During the first semester of their freshman year, Bridge Scholars with a “contingent” admit status are required to meet weekly with their mentors from the Academic Success Center. All other Bridge Program participants meet weekly during the first semester with the Bridge Program Director. These weekly meetings lessen the possibility that students will “fall through the cracks.” Especially during the critical first year, but also as needed throughout their career at the University, the Bridge Scholars’ Director serves as ombudsman and counselor—supporting and encouraging the students as they make the transition into college and throughout their college career.
No! It is important to remember that the Bridge Scholars' Program is not a remedial program.
The students in the program are admitted to the University through the regular admissions process and represent the entire range of admission categories—from “admitted with distinction” to “contingent admits.” The common denominator for these students is that they are participants in the state's 21st Century Scholars' Program. Most are also first-generation college students.
The program is geared toward students who have the potential to be successful in college, but who will likely need some additional support in order to realize that success. The goal of the Bridge Scholars' Program is, therefore, to provide these students with the additional support services they need to ease the transition from high school to college, and thereby increase the chances that they will be retained in college through to graduation.
Once a Bridge student has been admitted to the University of Indianapolis, the student then becomes eligible to receive full tuition (does not include room and board) for eight (8) semesters. The University of Indianapolis will cover the balance of tuition not covered by federal and state grants and scholarships. The full-tuition offer is renewable for three (3) additional years, so long as, 1) the University requirements are met, and, 2) a positive review is received from the Director's end-of-semester assessments.
Dr. Mary E. Busch is the Director of the Bridge Program (788-3302). Paula Hyde is the Administrative Assistant for the Academic Success Center (788-6153).
The Bridge Scholars' Program is located in Schwitzer Center, Room 206L within the Academic Success Center.
© University of Indianapolis • 1400 East Hanna Avenue •
Indianapolis, Indiana 46227 • U.S.A.
(317) 788–6153 • fax (317) 788-3383 • 800–232–8634 • asc.uindy.edu • asc@uindy.edu
