E3SL Summer Bridge Program
The E3-STEM Summer Bridge Program is designed to lower barriers to STEM degree attainment, develop STEM identity, and create a sense of belonging for all E3-STEM Student Leaders.
PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST YEAR AT RUTGERS-CAMDEN
The Rutgers University-Camden E3-STEM Summer Bridge Program is a mandatory one-week residential program for incoming E3-STEM Student Leaders who will be pursuing an undergraduate STEM degree at RUC. E3-STEM Students Leaders are expected to attend the Summer Bridge Program prior to the start of their first fall semester. The program will help students get to know all things Rutgers-Camden and help them acclimate to the college classroom environment and associated academic expectations. Various workshops and academic preparatory classes have been developed to help students prepare for the rigor associated with college courses and to introduce them to all of the resources and support systems available on campus.
DEVELOP PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Through the E3-STEM Summer Bridge Program, students will have the opportunity to learn more about all of the various success programs that are designed to help students have a fulfilling student experience. The various portions of the program will include course preparation, skill building exercises, experiential learning, and social engagement opportunities. A list of some of the activities that students can expect to take part in include:
- Develop study and time management skills to increase confidence in academic ability
- Meet STEM faculty and discover the research being conducted within campus laboratories
- Discover academic services, such as peer tutoring, writing support, and success coaching
- Explore the power of co-curricular engagement by discovering the student organization network on campus
- Learn how to utilize library resources and develop library research skills
- Hear about career preparation services and explore career opportunities in various STEM disciplines
- Learn more about research experiences utilizing state-of-the-art laboratory instrumentation
Program Highlights
With the goal of improving both soft skills and hard skills for incoming freshmen, the E3-STEM Summer Bridge program is designed prepare students for academic and career success.
Discover Campus Resources
Learn more about the various academic support offices, career advancement offices, physical/mental health resources, disability services, and other resources available to all students!
Tour Campus and Housing
Have the chance to tour campus before the semester starts and get to know academic buildings, student support offices, and campus facilities.
Build Lasting Relationships
Through social programming, make lasting friendships with like-minded students and work together to achieve personal and academic goals.
Explore Careers in STEM
Hear from STEM students, faculty, and staff and discover all of the various disciplines and careers that a STEM degree can prepare you to enter.
Program Details
Dates
The E3-STEM 2026 Summer Bridge Program will take place from July 10th to July 17th. Students are expected to be available from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Friday the 10th through Friday the 17th to attend scheduled workshops and events.
Cost
There is no cost for attending the E3-STEM Summer Bridge Program for new E3-STEM Student Leaders. Students who are admitted into the program will live on campus during the one-week program and the cost of room and board will be covered by the E3-STEM Institute. Meals and snacks will also be provided by the E3-STEM Institute at no cost to participating students.
Benefits
Numerous studies have shown that student participation in summer bridge programs has positive impacts on STEM student success. One meta-analysis of STEM summer bridge program effectiveness found that program participation had an effect on first-year grade point average and first-year university retention, resulting in significantly higher overall GPAs and increased program retention [LSE]. The goal of the E3-STEM Summer Bridge Program is to have similar impacts on student success and college preparedness.
Sample Agenda
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Grab & Go Breakfast
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Raptor 101 – Campus Resource Introductions
- 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: E3SL Cohort Experiences – Meet 2025 Cohort
- 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch n Learn w/ STEM Faculty
- 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM: E3SL Lab Experiences – Intro to Student Research
- 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Raptor 101 – Academic Study Tips and Tricks
- 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Dinner
- 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Group Bonding Activity in Dorms