Summer bridge program
Start your college experience on the right track! CU-THRIVE scholars get a one-week head start on college as they lay the groundwork for a multi-year service learning project, refresh their math skills, and attend workshops with successful students in STEM majors.
Faculty Mentors
CU-THRIVE scholars will meet regularly with a faculty mentor in their discipline. Mentors are an approachable resource for all sorts of help and questions. They will get to know scholars’ interests and career goals and provide encouragement, support, and guidance as scholars progress through their majors.
Professional Experience Grant
CU Professional Experience Grants (PEGS) help defray the cost of professional experiences such as unpaid internships, conference travel, trainings, and faculty-mentored research that you might otherwise not be able to afford. CU-THRIVE Scholars will receive a $4,000 PEG and work with their mentors to determine the use that best aligns with their interests and career goals.
Service Learning
Scholars will put their skills and interests to use on a service learning project helping local watershed organizations monitor conditions in the watershed. Students will analyze data and present their results to the community.
CU-THRIVE Scholars Academy
The CU-THRIVE Scholars Academy will help scholars feel comfortable from day one as they get to know fellow scholars, enjoy a personalized introduction to campus and classrooms, and meet some of their professors. The Scholars Academy will also discuss time management, how to deal with stress, how to plan out classes and register for Spring, and ways to take advantage of all the opportunities available to start preparing for professional life AFTER Bloomsburg. Scholars will receive support not only from the faculty director, but also peer mentors, who are always available to offer good advice and a sympathetic ear.
Professional U Career Development
A CU Professional U STEM-dedicated career development specialist will be involved throughout the program. The development specialist will help scholars utilize available resources, capitalize on professional development opportunities, and prepare for and obtain well-paying STEM jobs and rewarding careers.
Are you Eligible?
For full consideration completed applications should be received by March 1, 2024. A completed application form, verification of financial need, proof of enrollment, essay, and recommendation letters must be submitted before applications will be considered. Please follow this link to apply.
Awardees will be notified after May 1st.
- U.S. citizens, permanent residents, nationals, or refugees.
- Incoming first-time full time students in a qualifying degree program in the College of Science and Technology at any CU campus.
- High school seniors demonstrating high achievement based on H.S. GPA (3.0 and above). CU-THRIVE will also consider ACT score, advanced coursework, and letters of recommendation.
Applicants also need to:
- Complete a FAFSA, and indicate CU as a prospective school so we can receive a copy of your results (needed in order to evaluation applications).
- Have demonstrated unmet financial need, and meet the State System definition of Low Income.
- Write an essay describing their career goals and need for the scholarship
- Submit a copy of their high school transcript
- Provide contact information for two teachers, school administrators or other adults who can write a recommendation speaking to your talent, focus, and drive.
