The Illinois Scholars Program (ISP) is designed to help guide undergraduate students’ transition to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. ISP aims to combine opportunity and access, experiential learning, and support to position students for academic success and personal growth throughout their time at Illinois.  

The Illinois Scholars Program begins with an intensive summer bridge experience for incoming students at no cost. During the summer experience, Illinois Scholars are matched with an ISP Mentor, receive personalized math and writing instruction, and build strong relationships with peers and campus to support them during their first year and beyond. 

The ISP Summer Bridge Experience is a 4-week program that begins in July and ends one week before classes start in August. Academic workshops, preparatory courses, and campus activities take place Monday through Friday, starting with optional extra-curricular activities in the evenings and on weekends. Illinois Scholars can participate in early move-in into their permanent residence hall room after completion of the ISP Summer Bridge program.