Illinois Scholars Program Summer Bridge Experience 2025

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 2025 Illinois Scholars Program Summer Bridge Experience will run from Saturday, July 19 – Friday, August 15, 2025.

Apply now or attend one of the upcoming information sessions. The application will close on May 5, 2025.

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. 

If you are a student from the Grainger College of Engineering participating in the ARISE Program, you are ineligible to participate in ISP. We apologize for any confusion. Please contact ARISE program staff via email at engr-arise@illinois.edu for further information.

How to Apply

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.

About the 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 2025 ISP Summer Bridge Experience begins Saturday, July 19 with a move-in weekend and orientation on Sunday, July 20.
• Classes begin on Monday, July 21 and run Monday through Friday until August 15.
• On Friday, August 15, 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 17, when they can move into their permanent residence hall room. The Illinois Scholars Program covers early move-in expenses.

Information Sessions

In-person Sessions

Admitted IlliniFest Campus-wide Open House

Saturday, April 12, 2025
11:00 am–12:00 pm
1:00–2:00 pm
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
614 E. Daniel Street, Third Floor, Champaign

Virtual Sessions

Select a date to register for a Zoom session.

Monday, March 31, 2025, at 6 PM

Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 6 PM

Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 6 PM

For questions about applying to the Illinois Scholars Program, contact the Illinois Scholars Program staff at IllinoisScholarsProgram@illinois.edu.