NextGen Summer Bridge Program

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. Week 1: June 9 – June 12, 2025 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

Participants will discover their personal strengths, academic interests, and identify the support needed to ensure a smooth transition to college.

• Complete New Student Orientation
• Build self-efficacy and confidence
• Define success on your terms and set goals
• Discover academic, social, and wrap-around support services on campus
• Meet your squad, peer leaders, and campus leaders

II. Week 2: June 16 – June 18, 2025 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

Participants will solidify their academic plan and create their two-year educational plan.

• Explore majors, career, and transfer options
• Focus on 2: Finish in 2 - Chart your path to completion
• Learning that fits your life (ELO1000 Succeeding in PBSC Online Canvas Course)

III. June 30 – August 13, 2025 (Summer B Classes)

Participants can enroll in courses at any of the five campuses. Courses can be in-person, hybrid (50% in-person, 50% online), live-online, or fully online. Students will also choose a NextGen learning community based on their academic interest or affinity group for their weekly peer-led small group meetings.

• SLS1501 or other approved course (days/times vary by campus)
• CLEP Lounge/Innovative Learning Lab (at least once a week)
• Peer-led small group learning community meeting
• Tutoring/Supplemental Instruction – virtual options available through the Student Learning Center (SLC)

IV. End of Program Scholarships and Awards Celebration (Date/Location TBA)

Participants are encouraged to invite their families and support network to celebrate their accomplishments. 

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. 

Can I participate if I am an early admission student?
Not currently. This program is only for students who have graduated high school and matriculated to PBSC.

Do I have to attend the entire summer bridge program, meaning all 8 days of orientation and take classes in summer B?
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. More importantly, you will be able to start college early and set yourself up to finish in two years or less.

Can I skip summer B and start classes in the fall?
Not currently. We have reserved seats in summer B classes for summer bridge participants. 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 PBSC Foundation scholarship application and 2024-25 and 2025-26 FAFSA applications. Financial Aid and TRIO EOC staff are available to assist with completing the FAFSA. Eligible non-citizens and students who want to pay out of pocket are encouraged to contact program staff for guidance before applying to the program.

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 before applying to the program.

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 orientation part of 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. Students must complete the PBSC Foundation scholarship application and select the “First Step to Success Scholarship”.

What if I want to enroll in a second class (in addition to SLS1501)? Will that be covered too?
Not at this time. The First Step 2 Success is a $500 award that covers one class and education supplies. Students wanting to take additional classes should complete the 2024-25 FAFSA application and apply for private scholarships. PBSC also has tuition payment plans for students who plan to pay out of pocket.

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. While you await a decision, make sure you have submitted the documentation to meet FL residency requirements.

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 for the two-week orientation if I do not live near the Lake Worth Campus?
Yes, transportation from the Belle Glade and Loxahatchee Groves campuses is offered daily for the two weeks. Bus passes may also be 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.