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First-Generation Summer Bridge Program
Welcoming new first-generation students to jump-start their academic careers.
Program Overview
This summer, UB will be hosting its Virtual First Generation Summer Bridge program, designed for students to gain a distinct advantage before the start of their first semester and throughout the first year.
- Five-week course (Pre-Calculus or Social Justice) (tuition and fees are waived!)
- Assigned Peer Mentor for the summer, fall, and spring semesters of your first year
- Weekly Success Course
Orientation at UB
New to UB helps prepare you for a successful start. Learn about the steps.
About UB's Summer Orientation
Participating in UB’s Summer Orientation is required for all students. Summer Bridge program students will participate in the July 8-9 or 11-12 on-campus Summer Orientation program, so that you can complete your orientation requirement before the start of the Summer Bridge program. (Please note that international students will complete an online orientation program.) Learn more about Summer Orientation.
Registering for the Program
Register for the Summer Bridge program on the Orientation Data Form. Review the orientation session options carefully, and choose the July 8-9 or 11-12 session that includes the Summer Bridge program. The Summer Bridge program runs July 15 through August 16. The program coordinator will contact you with next steps within a week of receiving your confirmation. During this conversation the coordinator will work with you to enroll you in your summer bridge experience course.
Program Components
You will be assigned a peer mentor for the summer, fall, and spring semesters of your first year. Your Peer Mentor will assist you with making connections to UB, finding academic and extracurricular supports, and making the adjustment from high school to university.
Benefits of Peer Mentoring:
- Make a new contact at UB who can help support your success.
- Meet other first-generation students and build a sense of community.
- Stay on track by providing you with the support and direction you need to succeed at UB.
- Connect you to available resources on and off campus.
- Discuss concerns or challenges you may experience as a first-generation college student.
- Build strong relationships with faculty and staff throughout campus.
- Gain individualized mentorship, support and direction from a fellow student.
To speak to someone about the First-Generation Summer Bridge Experience please contact Tyler Richards at tylerric@buffalo.edu or by phone at 716-645-4968.
This program is part of a campus initiative to support First Generation students in their personal and academic endeavors.
UB Thrive Grant
By participating in the First Generation summer bridge program, you may be eligible to receive a $300 grant toward your academics for your first three semesters at UB.
Grants are awarded after each semester’s add/drop period to those students who meet certain criteria including: earning a passing grade in the UB Thrive summer bridge course, enrolling in 12 or more credits for the fall/spring semester, and maintaining a 2.0 semester and overall UB GPA.