Summer Bridge Program 2026
Program Overview
The Department of Computer Science at Bowie State University is hosting the Summer Bridge Program in summer 2026 to support incoming students in computing-related majors as they transition to 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 academic community.
All participant expenses during the program are covered through generous funding from the Clare Boothe Luce Foundation as part of its commitment to advancing an inclusive and equitable computing pipeline.
- Application Deadline: June 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- Notification of Acceptance: June 10, 2026
- Arrival: July 5, 2026, at 4 p.m.
- Program Dates: July 6 to July 24, 2026
- Departure: July 24, 2026, after 4 p.m.
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 duration of the program
- Early connection to the Bowie State computing community
- An inclusive and supportive learning environment
- Yearlong stipend support during summer, fall and spring semesters (minimum $200 per semester)
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be admitted as an incoming freshman for fall 2026 in a computing-related major, including Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Virtual Reality and Gaming, Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering.
- Agree to enroll in COSC 107, Computational Thinking for Problem Solving, as part of the program
Cost
The Summer Bridge Program is completely free for all selected students through funding provided by the Clare Boothe Luce Foundation.
Students receive:
- A free 3-credit course: COSC 107, Computational Thinking for Problem Solving
- Free housing for the full duration of the program
- Free meals throughout the program
- Free access to all program activities, workshops, and academic support resources
There is no cost for students to participate in the program.
Limited Seats — Apply Early
Participation is limited to 40 students. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications promptly to secure a place in the program via the link below.
Apply for the Summer Bridge Program
Schedule
Sunday, July 5
- 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Arrival and Registration
- 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Dinner
Monday to Thursday (Weeks 1 to 3)
- 8 to 9 a.m. - Breakfast
- 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Lecture Session
- 12 to 1 p.m. - Lunch
- 1:30 to 4 p.m. - Project / Research / Power Skills / Lab Visit
- 4 to 7 p.m. - Dinner and Games
- 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Mentor Talks
Friday (Weeks 1 to 2)
- 8 to 9 a.m. - Breakfast
- 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Lecture Session
- 12 to 1 p.m. - Lunch
- 1 to 5 p.m. - Research Trip / Destination Tour
Saturday to Sunday (Week 1)
- 8 to 9 a.m. - Breakfast
- 12 to 1 p.m. - Lunch
- 5 to 7 p.m. - Dinner
Final Day, Friday, July 24
- 8 to 9 a.m. - Breakfast
- 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Final Project Wrap-Up
- 12 to 1 p.m. - Lunch
- 1:30 to 4 p.m. - Presentations, Closing Celebration and Awards
- 4 p.m. - Departure