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Summer Bridge Program 2026

Program Overview

In Summer 2026, the Department of Computer Science at Bowie State University will host the Summer Bridge Program to support incoming Computer Science students as they transition into college-level study. The program provides early exposure to programming, mentorship, and collaborative learning experiences designed to help students develop foundational technical skills, build confidence, and establish meaningful connections within the computing community.

The program is funded by the Clare Boothe Luce Foundation as part of its mission to strengthen an inclusive and equitable computing pipeline.

  • Program Duration: July 6 – July 31, 2026
  • Modality:
    • On-campus: July 6 – July 17, 2026
    • Arrival: July 5, 2026 at 4:00 PM
    • Virtual: July 20 – July 31, 2026

Participant Benefits

Students who participate in the Summer Bridge Program will receive:

  • Early exposure to programming and computational thinking
  • A fully funded 3-credit course: COSC 107 – Computational Thinking for Problem Solving
  • Hands-on programming and research activities
  • Peer mentor talks, shared notes, study resources, and academic guidance
  • Guest speaker and professional development sessions
  • Meals and lodging for the full on-campus period
  • Early connection to the Bowie State computing community
  • An inclusive and supportive learning environment
  • Year-long stipend support across summer, fall, and spring semesters (minimum $200 per semester)

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be an incoming freshman Computer Science major at Bowie State University
  • Agree to enroll in COSC 107 – Computational Thinking for Problem Solving as part of the program

Limited Seats — Apply Early

Only 40 spots are available: 20 for female students and 20 for male students. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure their place.

Apply Now

 Schedule 

  • Sunday 7 May
    • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM  Arrival and registration
    • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM  Dinner

  • Monday – Thursday (Weeks 1 & 2)
    • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM  Breakfast
    • 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM  Lecture session
    • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM  Lunch
    • 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM  Project / research / team activities
    • 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM  Dinner and games
    • 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM  Mentor talks

  • Friday (Week 1)
    • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM  Breakfast
    • 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM  Lecture session
    • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM  Lunch
    • 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM  Research trip / field activity

  • Saturday – Sunday (Week 1)
    • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM  Breakfast
    • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM  Lunch
    • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM  Dinner

  • Friday (Week 2)
    • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM  Breakfast
    • 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM  Lecture session
    • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM  Lunch
    • 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM  Project and wrap-up
    • After 4:00 PM  Departure

  • Monday – Thursday (Weeks 3 & 4)
    • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM  Virtual lecture / research / project work