Illinois Scholars Program Summer Bridge Experience 2024
The Illinois Scholars Program Summer Bridge Experience is designed to help guide undergraduate students’ transition to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. ISP combines opportunity and access, experiential learning, and support to position students for academic success and personal growth throughout their time at Illinois. The Summer 2024 Illinois Scholars Program Summer Bridge Experience will run July 20 – August 18, 2024.
The Illinois Scholars Summer Bridge Experience is limited to 75 students, so apply today!
The application deadline is May 16, 2024. This deadline was extended to reflect the decision date offered through university admissions. Students will be notified via email about the selection process outcome by late May.
Summer Experience
The summer bridge experience provides the following:
- Academic preparedness for first-year courses in writing and math
- Individualized support to navigate the transition from high school to college
- Strategies for setting and achieving academic goals
- Opportunity to explore the university’s resources
- Tours of campus facilities and services
- Peer advising with upper-class ISP mentors
- Programs to connect family members to campus during move-in weekend
After the completion of the Summer Bridge Experience, Illinois Scholars will continue to receive year-round academic support during their entire undergraduate career including:
- Workshops with academic and career advisors
- Community-building and social programs
- Networking and connecting with alumni
- Access to Academic Inclusive Excellence facility for studying and meetings
- Initiatives to support students’ mental health and wellness
Summer Bridge Daily Schedule
Academic workshops, preparatory courses, and campus activities will take place all day Monday through Friday with extra–curricular activities in the evenings and on weekends. Housing and meals provided within University Housing.
Important Dates
- The 2024 ISP Summer Bridge Experience begins Saturday, July 20 with a move-in weekend and orientation on Sunday, July 21.
- Classes begin on Monday, July 22 and run Monday through Friday until August 16.
- On Friday, August 16, the summer bridge experience will conclude with the Illinois Scholar poster presentations.
Illinois Scholars are welcome to stay in their summer room until Sunday, August 18, when they can move into their permanent residence hall room. The Illinois Scholars Program covers early move-in expenses.
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 first-generation college students, from a low-sending county, or members of underserved groups.
How to Apply
The 2024 Illinois Scholars Program Application is now available. 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 information
- Any accommodations necessary to fully participate
Note: Application does not guarantee acceptance into the Illinois Scholars Program.
Applications are due May 16, 2024. Students will be notified via email about the selection process outcome by late May.
For questions about applying to the Illinois Scholars Program, contact the Illinois Scholars Program staff at IllinoisScholarsProgram@illinois.edu.
Information Sessions
To learn more about the program, please attend one of our upcoming information sessions.
In-person information sessions
Admitted IlliniFest Campus-wide Open House
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
614 E. Daniel Street, Third Floor, Champaign, IL 61820
Virtual information sessions
- Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 6 PM
- Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 6 PM
- Monday, April 22, 2024 at 6 PM