Academic Advancement Services

Bridge Program Overview

Program Structure

The objectives of the Bridge Program are accomplished through Transition, Integration, and Preparation (TIP). The Bridge programming focuses on the use of progressive TIP themes according to student development and successful collegiate matriculation.

Program Eligibility:
Admissions to the Bridge program are competitive and selective. Students who have been recruited by and admitted to a University Honors or Scholars Program are ineligible to participate in Bridge. Bridge Program applicants have expressed an interest receiving support with transitioning from high school to college and enrichment support with academic areas.   Generally, Bridge Program participants identify with one or more of the following areas:    

• Admitted to Ohio State – Columbus Campus
• First-generation college student
•  Migrant student with minimal family support
•  Underrepresented student identifying as African American, Asian American, Appalachian, Hispanic, Latino/a, and Native American
•  Out-of-state student
•  Demonstrated Community Service and/or Extra Curricular Activities in high school
•  Declared a targeted major, but have not met the admissions standards to be directly enrolled 

3-week Pre-collegiate program:

• Begins 3-weeks prior to the start of Autumn Semester
• Students participate in Mathematics, English, Economics, and Psychology Enrichment courses which provide a realistic view of the demands of college level academic work. Students will also participate in Personal Development, Study Skills, and Post-Baccalaureate Preparation workshops 
• Peer Leaders host evening activities and serve as peer mentors and liaisons to the campus community 

Retention Services:

• Bridge students attend holistic retention counseling meetings to discuss high school to college transition, campus integration, and outside of the classrooms issues which impact collegiate success
• Bridge students participate in community service and leadership development courses to support their active engagement to the campus community and student development
• Bridge students are eligible to participate in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Tutoring Program 
•  Bridge students are referred to the Post Baccalaureate Preparation Program to begin planning for graduate/professional school or entry into the   workforce 

Program Objectives 

• Assist students in the personal, cultural and social transition to college 
• Provide support for improving the academic ability of the Bridge Students
• Improve the study and learning skills of the Bridge Students
• Assist students in the process of becoming full participants in the OSU community
• Assist students in identification and accomplishment of personal development goals 

Program Benefits

• Increased first year retention and undergraduate matriculation
• Academic acclimation to college expectations, awareness of academic strengths, and targeted areas for academic development
• Enhanced awareness of campus community and development of peer and instructor relationships
• Strengthened connections to university personnel and campus organizations
• Direct support with planning for post-baccalaureate options including graduate school, professional school, or direct entry to the workforce