Summer Bridge Program
A two-week program designed for highly motivated incoming first-year students who are interested in building a strong foundation for their experience at Hope.
August 3鈥�15, 2025
The Summer Bridge Program is for incoming first-year students who have received an invitation and have completed a program application. This is not the same as orientation or class registration. After moving in on Sunday, August 3, participants will get a two-week preview of college life 鈥� both inside and outside the classroom. It offers close contact with some of Hope鈥檚 best faculty, staff and student leaders.
The application is available in the student portal for those who are eligible. If you have questions about eligibility, or if you would like to apply but are not eligible, please email courey@hope.edu or duncan@hope.edu.
Review of applications will begin in May of 2025 and through June of 2025.
The program includes:
- One credit hour, natural and applied sciences
- One credit hour, Engl 195: Introduction to College Writing
- Peer mentoring
- Faculty mentoring and coaching
- Leadership development
- Exploration of calling and purpose
- Two weeks of room and board
There is a $225 program fee, which would be added to your student鈥檚 account after the program concludes; but please note that all meals, housing, and activities are included in this cost. However, we are committed to making this opportunity accessible. Many students automatically qualify for a scholarship based on financial aid, and in those cases, the fee is fully waived. If your student does not automatically qualify but cost is a concern, they are welcome to contact us at summerbridge@hope.edu to discuss options.
MORE INFORMATION
- What to Expect
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While each person鈥檚 academic and personal journey is different, this program offers you the opportunity to transition to college by using your motivation and dedication to cultivate a positive experience at Hope. If you were invited to apply for Summer Bridge, we affirm your willingness to work hard and be empowered by faculty, staff and students during this experience.
Here is what to expect:
- Two weeks of college-level courses in which you will take a natural and applied science course and an English course for one credit each. During week one you will spend three to four hours of class time a day in one of the above content areas and in week two, you will spend the same amount of time in the other content area.
- Independent work time to complete course requirements
- Complete pre-arrival course work and readings as assigned
- Individual and group advising and mentoring from Hope faculty, staff and students
- Excursions in Holland, including trips to Lake Michigan and other regional attractions
- Two-week residential experience.
- Two credit hours that counts toward your graduation requirements
- Schedule/What to Bring
- More information will be available in July.
- If You Can鈥檛 Make It
- If you've been invited to the Summer Bridge Program and can鈥檛 make it, or were placed on the waiting list, that鈥檚 okay. This program is not required. You can still be successful at Hope if you don鈥檛 attend.
- Program Faculty & Contact
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Student Coordinators
- Alex Walker
- Fatima Banales
If you have questions about the Summer Bridge Program, contact us at summerbridge@hope.edu.
Summer Bridge Directors
Stanley Duncan
Phelps Scholars Program Coordinator, Resident Director of Scott Hall, and Summer Bridge Program Co-Director
