Summer Program

English 

All participants in grades 9-11 will participate in appropriate composition and literature courses including units on grammar, writing and communication.

Algebra I 

This course is designed to give participants a solid foundation in all areas of basic expressions and formulas.

Geometry 

Designed to give the participants a broad understanding of geometry and its principles, including, but not limited to, using formulas, theorems and logic.

Algebra II

Designed to give the participants a broad background in all areas of algebra including problem solving techniques, logic, inequalities, laws of exponential expressions, radicals and solving quadratic equations.

Advanced Algebra/ Pre-Calc 

Designed to give participants an overview of algebraic techniques and functions through pre-calculus applications.

Biology

Provide an introduction and overview of the high school sophomore biology class. Topics covered may include the origin(s) of life, the cell theory and structure, genetics, taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, botany, zoology and ecology. Laboratory and field experience will be an integral part of the class.

Chemistry

Provide participants with an introduction and preparation for the high school chemistry class. Topics covered may include the atomic theory, molecules, structure of matter, elements and compounds, the Periodic Table, types of reactions, balancing equations, stoichiometry, organic chemistry and uses of chemicals and their impact on our lives. Laboratory experiences will be an integral part of the class.

Physics

Provide participants with general introduction to high school physics. Topics covered may include matter and energy, forces and motion, the Kinetic Theory, the Quantum Theory, waves, electricity and nuclear physics.

Laboratory experience will be an integral part of the class.

Ninth- and tenth-grade participants will take a foreign language class. Previously, Spanish, Russian, French and German have been offered. The foreign language classes will include three basic components; grammar, communications and culture. Participants who have already had advanced sections of a foreign language may test out of the foreign language class and take an additional computer class. The intent of the foreign language class is to provide an introduction to a language, especially for those participants who have not previously taken one.

Pre-Bridge (grade 11) students will be required to participate in a seminar that covers the topics of leadership and career choices. The leadership section will help participants develop a deeper understanding of leadership styles; learn skills which can achieve results and bring about valued change; and broaden their visions of what is possible in their personal, family and community lives.

Students will participate in individual, small and large group activities. This section will be facilitated by a group leader but strongly driven by individual participation and discussion. The career choices section will provide an overview of some areas and activities that are involved in the selection of a career, training/education needed for that career, job search process, job application, resume writing and interviewing for a job. Speakers and career tours may also be used to further expose the participants to different careers and working environments.

Geography 121, Global Physical Environment

A study of the pattern of distribution of the physical elements of man’s environment, including the origin and characteristics of the terrestrial grid, earth-space relations, climate, land forms, vegetation and soils.

Geography 121L, Global Physical Environment Lab

A basic physical geography laboratory to complement Geography 121.

English 299, Reading and Writing in the Humanities

Guided practice in writing with emphasis on thoughtful analysis of one’s subject matter, clear understanding of the writing process, and use of directed reading assignments to illustrate a variety of writing techniques.

College Preparatory Study Skills Class

This class addresses study and learning strategies for college. Topics include textbook reading, note taking, library research, and time management. In addition, students will take a Mathematics Assessment and Review, which is an assessment of mathematical competency including instruction in algebra, trigonometry, pre-calculus and calculus and preparation for the university mathematics placement exam. 

Arts and Science 250, Academic Enhancement Class Mathematics Assessment and Review

Assessment of mathematical competency, instruction in algebra, trigonometry, pre-calculus and calculus and preparation for university mathematics placement exam.

A Bridge seminar is held each year to help senior participants prepare for college.

Topics include college selection, college admission requirement, the application process for admission, housing and financial aid. Admissions and financial aid representatives will be asked to provide expertise in these areas. Additional sessions cover issues related to college life. Status checks are done on participants relating to their course work, graduation status and required college admission tests.

Bridge participants have regularly scheduled learning center times twice a week in the afternoons and five nights during the week.

All Bridge participants enrolling in post-secondary institutions must finalize admission prior to attending the summer component. Bridge participants will be encouraged to complete financial aid and housing applications prior to attending the summer component. Project staff will follow-up on all Bridge participants during the summer to review financial aid award letters if necessary.