Illinois Scholars Program Summer Bridge Experience 2023
The Illinois Scholars Program Summer Bridge Experience is designed to help guide undergraduate students’ transition to the University of Illinois for select new admitted students. The Illinois Scholars Program (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.
As of May 10, 2023 the Illinois Scholars Program has met capacity for participation.
By applying, you will be placed on a waitlist and if a spot opens, we will reach out to see if you are still open and available to participate in the program. Students who are placed on the waitlist are not guaranteed admission to the program.
If you are an ARISE participant, please contact Aldo Montagner at aldom2@illinois.edu.
Summer Experience & Important Dates
The ISP Summer Bridge Experience begins July 15 and ends August 13. Academic workshops, preparatory courses, and campus activities will take place Monday through Friday starting July 17 with optional extra-curricular activities in the evenings and on weekends.
All meals are included plus snacks. ISP Scholars have the option to move directly into their University residence hall following the program.
The Illinois Scholars Program Summer Bridge Experience will provide:
- Summer research experience with campus scholars
- Academic preparedness in math and writing for first-year courses
- Individualized support to help navigate the transition from high school to college
- Strategies for setting and achieving academic goals
- Opportunity to utilize the University’s technology resources
- Campus and resource tours
- Peer mentorship with past ISP alumni
- Programs to connect family members to campus during move-in weekend
Students who successfully complete the summer experience will receive four years of inclusive excellence academic support.
How to apply
The 2023 Illinois Scholars Program Registration is now live. When completing the application, be sure to have the following information on hand:
- Incoming student contact information (including @illinois.edu email)
- Incoming student college & projected major
- Guardian and/or emergency contact
- What you hope to get out of ISP
- Accommodations necessary to fully participate
Applications are due June 19, 2023.
Information Sessions
To learn more about the program, please attend one of our upcoming information sessions:
- Register for Wednesday, April 19 at 6 p.m.
- Register for Tuesday, May 16 at 6 p.m.
- Register for Thursday, June 8 at 6 p.m.
For more information in the meantime, please contact Illinois Scholars Program Coordinator Norma Garcia at illinoisscholarsprogram@illinois.edu or 217-300-9580.
Eligibility Requirements
Qualified Illinois Scholars must be:
- An admitted first-year student to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- An Illinois resident
- Priority is given to students who are first-generation, from low-sending counties or members of underserved groups.
- Enrolled in one of the following colleges
- College of Agriculture, Consumer & Environmental Science (ACES)
- College of Applied Health Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Fine & Applied Arts (FAA)
- College of Liberal Arts & Science (LAS)
- College of Media
- Division of General Studies
- Gies College of Business
- Grainger College of Engineering
- All Hope Chicago Scholars are invited regardless of enrolled college
Year Round Academic Support
Illinois Scholars receive year-round academic support during their entire undergraduate career including:
- Initiatives to help students manage stress
- Workshops with academic and career advisors
- Networking and connecting with alumni
- Access to Academic Inclusive Excellence facility for studying and meetings
- Community-building and social programs