Summer Bridge

The Bagley College of Engineering/IMAGE Summer Bridge Program (SBP) is a part of the Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation. Within the state, seven of the eight 4 year institutions of higher learning use a Summer Bridge Program to help first year minority students adjust to university life at their respective institutions. With a commitment to growing the number of minority graduates in engineering, BCoE has a goal to increase enrollment of women from 21.9% to 25% and to improve African-American student make-up from 12.3% to 20%. Students participating in the Summer Bridge Program are provided on-campus housing, class instructors, peer counselors, textbook/materials and meal stipends.

Incoming freshmen interested in the Summer Bridge Program in the Bagley College of Engineering (BCoE) at Mississippi State University, should be majoring in one of the following:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Biological Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering

Academic Preparation
Students who will attend the Bridge Program will receive an overview in college algebra, pre-calculus, chemistry, physics, and computer programming.

Learning Strategies and Life Skills
Participants will receive instruction in strategies which may be used in their college courses. Mandatory study hall will be held Sunday through Thursday evenings.

Parent Seminar
Parents may also have to adjust to the demands of having a child in college; therefore, parents will participate in the Bridge orientation. This orientation session does not replace the MSU Orientation.

Academic Overview
Participants will attend classes throughout the entire 5-week term. Class schedules will simulate a typical semester schedule of classes.

Upper-class Peer Mentors
Each participant will be assigned a BCoE upperclassman mentor. These mentors will provide academic and personal support for participants throughout the Summer Bridge Program.

Program Cost
The generous sponsorship of corporate partners has made it possible for all participants to attend the program at no cost.

Final Thoughts
Although you might think that working or relaxing during the summer is more important than participating in the BCoE/IMAGE Summer Bridge Program, think again! During the five week session, you will cultivate friendships with peers in your freshman class that will last throughout your college career. In addition, you will have the opportunity to "jump start" your academic career and gain the skills necessary to excel in your chosen major.