Asbury Summer Bridge Program Empowers First Generation Students to Succeed

July 9, 2024

A grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) allows Asbury University to offer 15 scholarships to students from Eastern Kentucky in the Summer Bridge Program from August 12-21, 2024. Summer Bridge gives students the opportunity to acclimate to campus, learn about various university resources, cultivate professional skills, and gain university success and readiness skills before jumping into their first semester of being an on-campus university student.

“The Summer Bridge Program provides an opportunity for incoming first-year students to get a head start on transitioning from high school to university life and academics through removing common barriers that prevent incoming students from reaching their college goals and sustaining them,” said Asbury University Director of the Center for Academic Excellence Dr. Henry Zonio ’97. “Bridge participants move in a week-and-a-half earlier than everyone else, have a chance to get settled and familiar with the campus, complete two credit hours of college courses (college readiness and physical/mental wellness), participate in financial literacy workshops, work with an academic coach for the duration of their first year of university, and more.”

Eligible students also will receive $350 to purchase professional clothing in partnership with Macy’s, one-on-one academic coaching for their first year, and a $1,200 one-time scholarship in the spring semester.

With an acceptance deadline of July 19, the cost to reserve a spot when accepted is $100 per student (with scholarships available). Learn more and apply here.

Through this grant, the Education in Appalachia to Graduate Leaders that Excel (EAGLE) project also will expand dual-credit learning opportunities for Knott County students and teacher technology tools and will offer week-long academic summer camp scholarships for high school students.

ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. More information is available at www.arc.gov.