For more than 29 years, the University of Missouri–St. Louis Bridge Program has served St. Louis-area students by bulldozing barriers to college entry and paving the way for the leaders of tomorrow.
The program was founded in 1986 and remains the university’s flagship pre-collegiate program. It provides comprehensive, year-round, college-access services to local high school students who represent more than 100 public and private schools.
“Bridge works relentlessly in its efforts to ensure that all students are equipped with the skills necessary to attend college,” says Natissia Small, assistant dean of Students and director of the Bridge Program.
The main program components are two academies for ninth through 12th-grade students. The Saturday Academy selected 600 students to participate this year and runs for four hours the first two Saturdays of the month from October to March. It provides intensive instruction in math, science, writing and career development.
The Summer Academy nurtures students’ skills in the same areas as the Saturday Academy and runs four hours a day, Monday through Friday for four consecutive weeks. More than 200 students will participate in the Summer Academy this year.
Students in both academies receive professional development opportunities through on-campus career fairs, professional speaker series, panel discussions and leadership development. The Summer Academy program is for ninth and tenth grade students only.
The program also emphasizes engaged parents. The Saturday Academy, for example, incorporates workshops for parents on many topics, including effective communication, understanding financial aid and navigating the college admissions process.
“We believe in removing barriers and stumbling blocks for students and parents who are seeking access to higher education,” says Small. “We remain committed to providing college access resources and support for every student who desires a college education.”
Applications are now available for the 2015 Summer Academy and 2015-2016 Saturday Academy. Please visit www.umsl.edu/precollegiate.
