NextGen Summer Bridge Program
Are you a graduating high school senior?
Do you identify as a first-generation college student (neither parent earned a bachelor’s degree)?
Do you want to jumpstart your success in College?
If so, we have the right program for you. Apply today! Only 250 seats available.
The priority deadline to submit your application is April 30th of each year.
Note: To access the application, make sure you sign into the engage platform (top right). You must already have applied to PBSC and have a student ID number.
About NextGen Summer Bridge Program
The Dr. Carey-Shuler Equity Institute, in partnership with TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) and the Foundation for Palm Beach State College, is announcing the 2024 NextGen Summer Bridge Program. This two-week college transition program is designed to prepare first-generation college students with a smooth transition from high school to Palm Beach State College. This year’s theme is Focus on 2: Finish in 2. Students will receive a comprehensive orientation and resources for academic and wraparound support services to ensure their success at PBSC. After the two weeks, students can enroll in up to 6 college credits at no or low cost* in Summer B: June 27 – August 8, 2024.
Beyond the summer, students are encouraged to apply for TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) or the S.O.A.R. Program. These accelerated programs provide a streamlined, predictable schedule for students to obtain their associate degree in two (2) years or less.
An average of 90-95% of students who have participated in similar TRIO, Student Support Services, and Summer Bridge Programs across the nation have remained in good academic standing each year.
2024 Program Overview
What: 2-week summer bridge program
When: June 17 – June 27, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday
Where: Palm Beach State College – Lake Worth campus (in-person)
Other Important Dates:
- Program Kickoff Celebration: June 6th, 2024, 6:00 p.m., Lake Worth Campus, Room: TBA
- End of Program Celebration: Date & Location TBA
NextGen Summer Bridge Program Weekly Schedule (tentative)
This is a draft schedule. Program director has the right to change program activities and dates as needed.
I. June 17 – June 20, 2024 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Participants will discover their personal strengths, academic interests, and identify the supports needed to ensure a smooth transition to college.
- Build self-efficacy and confidence
- Define success on your terms and set goals
- Discover academic, social, and wrap-around support services
- Meet your squad, peer leaders, and campus leaders
- Explore and identify campus Resources
II. June 24 – June 27, 2024
Participants will choose a track based on their personal strengths and/or academic interests.
- Learning that fits your life (ELO1000 Canvas Course)
- Explore majors, career, and transfer options
- Focus on 2: Finish in 2 - Chart your path to completion
III. June 27 – August 8, 2024 (Summer B Classes)
Participants can enroll in courses at any of the five campuses. Courses can be in-person, hybrid, live-online, or fully online. Students will also choose a NextGen learning community based on their academic interest or affinity group
- Innovative Learning Lab (once a week)
- SLS1501 (days/times vary by campus)
- Second Course (optional)
Evening: (after 5:00 p.m.)
- Tutoring/Supplemental Instruction – virtual options available
- Optional evening cultural enrichment opportunities
IV. August 7, 2024 – End of Program Scholarships and Awards Celebration (Location
TBA)
Participants are encouraged to invite their families and support network to celebrate their accomplishments.
What to Expect
The Summer Bridge program includes self-assessments, college readiness workshops, fun cultural enrichment activities, and meaningful faculty, staff, and peer networking opportunities.
Participants will:
- Define success and set goals
- Identify and understand their strengths
- Explore career goals or major choice
- Build academic skills thru innovative learning labs
- Enhance study and problem-solving skills
- Meet college faculty, staff, and administrators
- Meet campus student leaders
- Make connections and friendships
- Discover the campus and available resources
Who Can Participate?
- First-time-in-college students who desire to earn an associate degree from PBSC in two years or less.
- Be classified as first-generation in college (neither parent completed a bachelor's degree) or economically disadvantaged (received free/reduced lunch in high school.)
- Can attend a 2-week summer bridge program (all eight days.)
Financial Benefits
The 2-week summer bridge summer program is at no or low cost to all eligible students who complete the 2023-24 & 2024-25 FAFSA and in-state tuition requirements. Other Financial Aid (Scholarships and Grants) to cover Tuition & Fees, Books, Transportation & Educational Supplies is also available for students who are not 100% Pell-eligible. Other financial benefits include:
- Head start on the fall curriculum by earning up to 6 credit hours in Summer B
- Priority for 2nd year Peer Advisor and on-campus employment opportunities
Other Perks/Scholarships
- A College Success Coach dedicated to a great start at PBSC
- Comprehensive New Student Orientation (includes a Family Orientation for all members of your support network)
- Access to a network of faculty and college staff dedicated to your success
- Year-round schedule and priority registration
- Assistance applying for the Laptop Loaner Program
- Priority for scholarships administered/supported by the Dr. Carey-Shuler Equity Institute
Criteria/Commitment
Program participants are expected to abide by the NextGen Summer Bridge Program contractual agreement made upon their entrance to the program. As a student in the program, you are expected to maintain contact with your academic advisor, participate in workshops, become a member of the 1stGen and/or other Student Success Clubs, regularly utilize the SLC/TRIO computer labs, and participate in program events and activities.
Other commitments include:
- Enroll in the fall semester and maintain a fulltime (12+credits) course load each semester
- Commit to monthly check-ins with program staff
Sponsors
The program is funded by the NextEra Energy Foundation, Inc. and the Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler Equity Institute.
Need Help?
For assistance completing the process or have a general question about the program? Email equityinstitute@palmbeachstate.edu.
How would participating in the Summer Bridge program benefit me?
NextGen Summer Bridge provides a high-level learning environment where students will
network with staff and peers, engage in a variety of activities designed to support
your success as a Panther, and strengthen your knowledge on campus resources.
How will I know I have been accepted to the program?
A congratulatory email will be sent to your PBSC student email address. Contact us
at EquityInstitute@palmbeachstate.edu if you have not received an email 2-3 weeks
after you applied. We will gladly check for you.
Can I participate if I am a recent high school graduate, but have earned college credits
through dual enrollment, AICE, AP, or IB?
Yes, we have an accelerated path to help you complete and AA/AS degree in less than
two years.
Do I have to attend the entire two weeks of summer bridge, meaning all 8 days?
Yes, your full commitment is required. Completing this program in its entirety will
create an excellent learning environment and a memorable beginning to your college
experience.
Can I skip summer B and start classes in the fall?
Not currently. We have reserved seats in SLS1501 – Introduction to the College experience
summer B classes for summer bridge participants. This course The summer semester introduces
you to the college experience and is a fantastic way to get acclimated to college
life, academic expectations, and how you plan to balance it all in advance of the
fall semester.
Do I have to complete a FAFSA to be eligible for the program and/or scholarships?
Yes, eligible students must complete BOTH the 2023-24 and 2024-25 FAFSA applications.
Financial Aid and TRIO EOC staff are available to assist with completing the FAFSA.
Eligible non-citizens who want to pay out of pocket are encouraged to contact program
staff for guidance.
Can I still participate even though I am not eligible for state/federal student aid?
Yes, you can still participate, but you may have some out-of-pocket costs. Contact
staff at EquityInstitute@palmbeachstate.edu to discuss your individual situation.
Do I have to pay the $40 application fee?
Yes, unless you meet certain criteria (i.e., received an ACT/SAT testing fee waiver,
receive public assistance, qualify for DCF waiver).
Do I have to pay for the Summer Bridge program or the SLS1501 – Introduction to the
College Experience class?
Not likely. Thanks to our generous sponsors, the program is offered at no or low cost
to most students. Pell Grant funding will be utilized prior to the awarding of any
private or institutional funds. A combination of institutional funds and private scholarships
will be used to bridge the gap if the Pell Grant is not enough to cover the tuition
and books for SLS150 or another approved course.
What if I want to enroll in a second class (in addition to SLS1501)? Will that be
covered too?
Yes, thanks to our generous sponsors, a combination of institutional funds and private
scholarships will be used to bridge the gap if the Pell Grant is not enough to cover
a second class.
How will I know I have been awarded the 1st Steps to Success or any Foundation scholarship?
Decisions will be made in early June. Register for your SLS1501 class and await notification
from the financial aid office to your PBSC student email address.
Are accessibility services and/or accommodations available?
Yes. Please register with the Center for Student Accessibility (CSA) and indicate
that you are participating in the summer bridge program.
Is transportation assistance available if I do not live near the Lake Worth Campus?
Yes. Monthly bus passes are available for program participants. After the two weeks,
students can use them to attend SLS classes at any of the five campuses during summer
B. Contact staff at EquityInstitute@palmbeachstate.edu for more information.
Will breakfast and lunch be provided all 8 days?
Lunch and snacks are served daily. However, students are responsible for their own
breakfast. Contact staff at EquityInstitute@palmbeachstate.edu if you have any dietary restrictions.
Past Programs
2023 Program Highlights
Inaugural Summer Bridge Program - June 2022
