Free, multi-day introduction prepares students for their first year of college
Indiana University Northwest invites all incoming students enrolled in the Fall 2023 semester to get a jumpstart on college with its Summer Bridge programs, taking place on campus the week of August 14.
The goal of Summer Bridge is to help incoming students prepare for college classes, explore new interests, gain confidence, and form connections with fellow students, peer mentors, and faculty.
Students can select from three different Summer Bridge programs based on their interests, degree programs and career paths:
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), the Humanities Summer Bridge
August 14 – 18 at IU Northwest
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Friday: 2 to 6 p.m.
Students can select either a STEM or Humanities track based on their interests in: Stagecraft and Performing Arts; The Natural World (prairie ecology, water quality, natural hazards and features); Life Science (understanding disease, DNA, and cellular functions); Creative Reading and Writing (poetry, and literature); and History of Northwest Indiana.
Register for STEM & Humanities
"Start Smart" Business and Economics Summer Bridge
August 14 – 18 at IU Northwest
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Friday: 2 to 6 p.m.
The School of Business & Economics “Start Smart” summer bridge program will focus on non-profits and businesses which give back to the community. Students will be involved in active learning experiences focused on business and economics.
Register for Business and Economics
Health Professions Exploration Summer Bridge
August 17 – 18 at IU Northwest
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Students will learn about various health and safety professions and about the healthcare team.
Throughout all three programs students will explore varying degree programs and career paths by participating in hands-on activities and field trips in business, arts and humanities, health care and in the STEM disciplines.
Register for Health Professions
Kris Huysken, associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences and Summer Bridge organizer, said “The goal is for students to feel inspired and to develop deeper connections, both to IU Northwest, and their own educational paths. This is more critical than ever for our students who are beginning their collegiate academic journey.”
She added, “Throughout the week, students will work and learn together. Whether measuring water quality in local rivers and lagoons, constructing original theatrical performance pieces, or developing a sustainable business idea, students will collaborate to create something new and original, and share their scholarship with others.”
Financial incentives
Students who successfully complete the STEM, Humanities, or Business and Economics Summer Bridges ONLY will earn a $250 credit to help pay for books for their first year at IU Northwest. They will also have the option to earn a college credit for their bridge experience.
Summer Bridge is free and open to all incoming students, but space is limited.
