SUMMER BRDIGE WILL RESUME IN 2026
2025 Program Update
Welcome, Class of 2029, and congratulations on your admission to Cal!
Summer Bridge will be on pause for Summer 2025 and is expected to return in Summer 2026. During this time, we’re taking the opportunity to reassess and strengthen the program to ensure it continues to meet the needs of incoming students.
In the meantime, we encourage you to explore these early-start opportunities:
The Student Learning Center remains committed to supporting you throughout your time at Cal. This summer and beyond, you’ll have access to academic and co-curricular programs, including tutoring, study groups, academic coaching, and more. We’re excited to welcome you to the Berkeley community and look forward to supporting your acadenic journey!
What We Do
Summer Bridge serves a globally diverse community of entering undergraduates in a six-week academic program. Scholars take a full course load, including two academic courses and a mentorship program, to gain early and deep exposure to the rigor and expectations of the #1 public research university. Bridge strives for a rigorous, comprehensive approach, working to ensure that students complete the program with the skills, the confidence, and the connections necessary to thrive at Cal.
Our Philosophy
For over four decades, we have worked to demystify academic success at the research university. At the core of our work lies the conviction that through rigorous instruction and thoughtful academic support, anyone can thrive at Cal. We help students achieve by honoring their diverse starting points, taking seriously their academic aspirations, and working hard to ensure they possess the tools to navigate the formal curriculum and the hidden demands of the research university.
Bridge Objectives
Upon completion of the program, scholars will be able to:
- Navigate the academic rigor and demands of Cal;
- Attend to their intellectual, psychological, and physical well-being;
- Leverage the University's resources and connections to enhance their academic experience;
- Practice the mindset and learning strategies required for lifelong success.
Bridge Advantages
Scholars will receive a competitive advantage over their first-year peers, entering the Fall semester with:
- 6-8 course credits that count toward their UC GPA & breadth requirements
- A solid academic and social support system
- Broad exposure to campus resources
- First-hand knowledge of what it takes to succeed at Cal
Bridge at a Glance
Bridge was founded at Cal in 1973 and has served over 7000 students since its inception. Our participants hail from a multiplicity of places in the world. The 2015 cohort, for instance, spoke 35 languages, came from 29 California counties and 12 American states, and represented 16 countries. Additionally, roughly 2/3 of participants are Pell grant and/or Dream Act eligible and 70% are the first in their families to attend college.
The program is managed by the Student Learning Center, through collaborative partnerships with over 60 departments on campus, including the Athletic Study Center, the Educational Opportunity Program, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Financial Aid Office, and Residential Life. Check out our full history here.
Connect With Us
Cara Stanley | Program Director
510.643.8818
arac@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
143 César E. Chávez Student Center
General Inquiries
sbridge@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
Facebook(link is external): @UCBerkeley.SummerBridge