Academic Support and Mentoring

Academic Support and Mentoring

Summer Bridge Scholars Frequently Asked Questions

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Cost

The UMKC Summer Bridge Scholars Program is unique in that the costs associated with tuition, housing, meal plan, textbooks, assessments, excursions, parking pass, and transportation are covered by the scholarship. 

Expenses may include: Room expenses (bed sheets, pillows, etc.), personal expenses (toilet paper, laundry detergent, personal hygiene products, etc.) miscellaneous expenses (eating out, snacks, healthcare, etc.). If you have any concerns regarding personal expenses, please contact program staff at summerbridgescholars@umkc.edu.

Coursework

Each scholar’s course enrollment will be determined in consultation with their academic advisor. Scholars will be enrolled in two courses for a total of four credit hours. Three credit hours will count towards graduation requirements and one credit is an elective course to support student success. Because each course is selected based on the scholar’s major, courses will vary. The courses will be in an expedited eight week format, so scholars should be prepared for rigorous academic coursework.

Residence Halls

No - you have the option of residing on campus or commuting. To be eligible to live off campus and commute for the program, you must live within 30 miles of campus and have reliable transportation to and from campus for the last five weeks of the program. Scholars who will be residing in the residence halls in the fall are strongly encouraged to live on campus for Summer Bridge Scholars to become accustomed to living on campus early.

For Summer 2025, Scholars will reside in a residence hall to be announced.

Scholars who successfully complete the first three weeks of the online program with a 90% or higher attendance rate will transition to the last five weeks of the program. Move-in day will be Monday, June 23, 2025.

Living with roommates in the residence halls allows you to build a community with your peers. Living in a residence hall with so many different types of people will allow you to see the world with a whole new perspective.

The program will send a full list of more specific items to bring. Some of the things on that list include: laundry detergent, dryer sheets, laundry basket, shower curtain, bed sheets(Twin XL), pillow, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies.

Yes you can, but you want to discuss when and how long guests can stay with your roommates. For any questions about Residential Life's policy, please refer to your contract and/or their Guide to Group Living for more information.

Room assignments will be announced in week two of the online program. Room assignments are determined by Residential Life program staff.

Yes, if you are a scholar with a disability who needs accommodations (for mobility, learning, etc.) please contact Student Accessibility Services.

You will have to fully move out from your residence hall in the summer on July 25, 2025 and move in to your fall room assignment on your assigned move-in date in August 2025. If your room assignment for the summer and the fall semester are the same, special arrangements to keep items in the room will be considered.

Yes, you can bring your car. A parking pass is included in your scholarship. Scholars can also use the Metro bus for travel free of charge.

Meals

The Summer Bridge Scholars Program pays for a meal plan for you to eat in the dining hall during the five-week period. There are some events where outside food is provided. If you have dietary restrictions, you want to be sure to let program staff know as soon as possible, so they can ensure all meals will meet your dietary needs.

Employment

Scholars should refrain from outside employment 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday-Friday during the duration of the 8-week program (June 2 - July 25, 2025). Because of the intensity of the on-campus portion of the program, scholars are strongly encouraged to only work weekends for the last 5 weeks of the program (June 24 - July 25, 2025) however, scholars must be mindful to keep up with weekend assignments.

We do understand that scholars may have commitments for work during the summer. Scholars who have tried to work evenings during our program have struggled to balance work with the program activities and coursework. If you are unsure if your commitments will impact participation, please contact Summer Bridge Scholars program staff.