The Bridge Program is open to all UMD pursuing engineering, including Clark School students and Letters and Science students with the intention to major in engineering. Applications are currently being accepted. Supported by The National Science Foundation, Northrop Grumman, The Office of the Dean of Engineering, and Boeing. Find the application link under Application Information.
Bridge
The Bridge Program invites 35-40 incoming UMD freshmen pursuing engineering an opportunity to receive academic and personal support through supplemental instruction resources, math and science workshops, professional development, and community. As an Bridge participant students have access to the Travel Award Program, Undergraduate Research program, opportunities to attend various conferences, and the Bridge to Doctorate Program.
The Bridge Program is comprised of two components: Summer and the Academic Year.
Bridge Summer component(summer prior to freshman year): Monday, June 22nd, 2026 - Friday, June 26th, 2026 program will meet virtually and will transition to in-person/residential program from Sunday, June 28th, 2026 - July 31st, 2026.
- Math (Precalculus and Calculus) & Chemistry for Engineers workshops
- Academic Success Class (campus resources)
- Peer Mentors
- Supplemental Instruction hours
- Bridge advisor
- Community building activities
- Summer course costs (4 credits) included
- Professional/career development with partner companies such as:
- Northrop Grumman
- W. L. Gore and Associates
- Lockheed Martin
- Bechtel
- Boeing
Bridge Fall component:
- Mandatory tutoring for Math or Chemistry (based on the cohort's needs)
- Mandatory attendance of Bridge community-building activities
- Professional and career development activities/workshops
- Required Enrollment in "First-Year Transition" course (Spring semester)
- Required advising meetings with the Bridge coordinator
- Required volunteer service
For more information please contact cmse@umd.edu
- Show evidence of superior academic excellence and interest in engineering.
- Be an incoming freshman admitted to the University of Maryland, having confirmed attendance to the University of Maryland, College Park
- Plans to pursue engineering degree through required ENGR courses
- Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident
- Be available during dates and fully participate in the program in all activities.
- Commit to registering for Achieving College Success: First Year Transition course for Fall 2025/Spring 2026 semesters
The 2026 Bridge Application will be opening soon!
Completed applications include:
- Completed written prompts
- Unofficial transcripts submission
*REMINDER: Student must be a citizen/permanent resident to apply
Space is limited; the priority deadline is April 19th, 2026.
Decisions following the priority deadline will be made on a rolling basis.
The 2026 Bridge program costs $300. If you need assistance in financing the program costs, please reach out to Jeanea Dunbar at jdunbar2@umd.edu.
Step 1: Complete Bridge Summer Application with the required documentation
Step 2: Complete UMD Math Placement Exam
- Must be completed by ALL UMD students
Step 3: If selected you will need to complete and submit program documents by the deadline given in emailed packet
Step 4: Pay the participant fee
Contact Information: