3M Institute of Technology Summer Bridge Program

The Institute of Technology's Office of Outreach and Diversity is offering a new opportunity designed to help new students transition to life and learning at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities.

Residential Summer Session

A select group of about 20 freshmen entering the Institute of Technology participate in the Summer Bridge Program, a residential summer session on the University's Minneapolis campus.

The Institute of Technology Summer Bridge Program is being funded by a grant from the 3M Foundation to provide the academic background and support that incoming students need to succeed at a world-class research university. The program is intended for students who are traditionally underrepresented in the physical sciences and engineering, including students from diverse ethnic groups and women.

The program introduces students to life and learning at the University. They will develop valuable academic and leadership skills, experience campus life, meet students from across the country, and build a support network to help them succeed in rigorous science, math, and engineering programs at the University.

Academics

Summer Bridge students take one academic course for credit, choosing either a precalculus or a calculus course. Classes are in session every day, Monday through Friday. The cost of tuition and textbooks is waived for participating students. Tutoring and other academic development programs are part of the daily schedule to provide a solid foundation for studies at the University. Download daily schedule (pdf)>>

Research

While all Institute of Technology students interact in the classroom with lead researchers, most undergraduates do not have the opportunity to interact with them informally or gain a behind-the-scenes view into their research. The Summer Bridge experience will include seminars on the nature of research and luncheons in small groups with a faculty member, to informally discuss their research and teaching. To bring these informal discussions and formal seminars to life, small teams of students will visit different laboratories each week to observe the faculty’s research projects. View laboratory sites>>

Leadership skills

An important part of the college experience is to develop leadership skills. During the Summer Bridge Program, students will participate in leadership development activities to gain confidence in academic abilities and skills that prepare them to become active leaders at the University. To provide leadership in civic engagement, teams of Summer Bridge students will make informal presentations on research topics to visitors at the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Portal to industry

Students will take several field trips to local industries to see applied research, software tools, and manufacturing processes related to what they are learning. Institute of Technology alumni at these companies will share insights into the difference that a degree from the Institute of Technology has made in their lives. View company site visit schedule>>

Campus life

The Summer Bridge Program offers you the chance to enjoy the University’s rich social and cultural life.
Summer Bridge students will receive free housing and meals in the residence hall. You will meet students from top national colleges and universities who are participating in Institute of Technology summer research. The living arrangements will allow for formal and informal mentoring for both groups of students.

Through the Summer Bridge Program you begin to build an invaluable network of students who share interests in science, engineering, and mathematics. You will learn from each other and share information about opportunities in these exciting fields.

Stipend

To offset income that could have been earned in other summer internships, the Summer Bridge Program will provide participants with a $1,500 stipend, in three installments throughout the summer, as program benchmarks are accomplished.

For more information

Office of Outreach and Diversity
Institute of Technology
107 Lind Hall
612-626-0219
polla007@umn.edu