STEM Summer Transfer Bridge Programs Announced

A new program designed to support Massachusetts community college students in making a successful transition into public 4-year universities as transfer students is launching this summer, as part of the STEM Starter Academy. Students transferring from one of the 15 community colleges in Massachusetts to a state college or university in order to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, can apply to a summer STEM Transfer Bridge Program. 

Each summer transfer program is unique, and was designed by each individual university, with input from community college partners. The programs vary in specific content (such as the courses being offered, the dates when they meet, etc.); however, all programs will allow students the opportunity to get a jump start on their bachelor's degree. Students who participate in a summer bridge program will:

• Meet other STEM transfer students
• Get to know faculty who will be teaching their classes in the fall
• Take a free class that applies to their major
• Learn where and how to access key resources on campus

Students who are interested in participating in the STEM Transfer Bridge program should apply to the bridge program at the institution where they intend to enroll for the Fall 2019 semester. Students who have applied to more than one institution but do not know where they will be attending, may apply to more than one summer transfer bridge program.  However, students should only attend the program at the institution they will be attending in the fall. 

To apply, download and complete the application. Please note that the application deadlines are not the same for every institution; however many programs have application deadlines of May 17, with the program beginning May 28. Completed applications should be emailed to the contact listed for each college/university of interest.

For details of the transfer bridge program at Worcester State University (which begins on May 28),  contact Adrienne Linnell, QCC STEM Initiatives Program Administrator at alinnell [at] qcc.mass.edu

For details of the transfer bridge program at Fitchburg State University (which begins on May 28), please contact Darcy Carlson, STEM Starter Academy program Coordinator at Dcarlson [at] qcc.mass.edu

General questions may be addressed to Allison Little, Assistant Commissioner of P-16 Alignment and Outreach, at alittle [at] dhe.mass.edu or the contact for the specific program of interest. All university contacts are listed on the program’s website.