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Some of the popular features of the LEAD Scholars Program include students earning 3-6 college credits during the Summer Bridge Program, enhanced college readiness through strategic programming, ongoing personal and academic advising throughout your time at WSU, and the sense of family fostered between students in our program.
No, the LEAD Scholars Program provides all first-generation college students (those whose parents do not have a four-year degree) the opportunity to reach their full potential for personal and academic success; this includes students from diverse ethnic, cultural, religious and financial backgrounds.
Absolutely not! The Program has a focus on academic excellence, leadership development, peer mentorship, academic and personal advising, and career exploration for all students.
Yes, the 5-week Summer Bridge Program is mandatory. It is the best opportunity for students and the University to assess if students are ready for the academic rigors and expectations of college prior to matriculation.
The Summer Bridge Program is FREE, and if you successfully complete the Summer Bridge Program, you will receive a renewable $2,000 scholarship towards your financial aid award.
Students may earn a maximum of 6-credit hours. The First Year Success Seminar is not credit bearing.
Upon successful completion, you will be able to fully access and navigate Westfield State University. Other benefits include earning university credits, a $2,000 completion scholarship, and peer mentoring from current LEAD Scholars Program students. All participants have an academic advisor that will assist in the planning and performance of your academic, personal and career goals throughout your college career.
No, the 5-week Summer Bridge Program is to prepare students for matriculation at Westfield State University. Credits earned during the Summer Bridge Program are not awarded until the student has officially matriculated.
We offer courses that satisfy graduation requirements. In the past we have offered Introduction to Community Planning (GARP 0105), History of Latin America since 1800 (HIST 0277), Elementary Statistics (MATH 0108), Introduction to Mass Communication (COMM 0101), and U.S. History to 1865 (HIST 0131) to name a few.
Yes, students that demonstrate technological needs may borrow a University laptop from the Ely Library for the duration of the 5-week Summer Bridge Program.
No, the Summer Bridge Program is designed to increase your proficiency through consistent engagement and academic rigor. Therefore, all students will be required to schedule all other responsibilities around the program schedule.
Successful completion of the Summer Bridge Program is determined by earning a minimum of 2.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale. The First Year Success Seminar results are also considered in determining matriculation. In addition, successful completion includes consideration of disciplinary action, behavior in classrooms and residence halls. Professors, academic advisors, and the director can recommend or not recommend successful completion for matriculation.
Yes, you can still be considered. However, you must go through the selection process by attending an Information and Interview Session that includes a program overview and summer expectations, submission of an application, and an interview.
No. Membership in the LEAD Scholars Program is contingent upon your participation and successful completion of the Summer Bridge Program. We strongly encourage students to participate in the Summer Bridge Program because it is your introduction to both Westfield State University and the LEAD Scholars Program.
You do not have to purchase any books as course materials are provided to you at no cost. However, we do encourage participants to purchase the electronic devices such as a laptop that will aid in the academic courses during the Summer Bridge Program.
The Summer Bridge Program will begin Sunday, July 7, 2024 and concludes Thursday, August 8, 2024. The enrollment deposit deadline is May 1, 2024, and the submission of the Summer Bridge Program forms are due on Friday, June 14, 2024.
