The Coastal ROOTS Summer Bridge Program aims to enhance the student experience and foster a sense of campus and cultural belonging, student engagement, educational enrichment, and personal empowerment to ensure student success at UNCW and beyond.
The Coastal ROOTS Summer Bridge Program will focus on five overarching themes:
Financial Literacy: Understand and manage your finances effectively to make informed decisions about your personal and educational expenses.
Cultural Awareness: Explore and appreciate diverse cultural perspectives to foster inclusivity and global understanding.
Social and Community Engagement: Actively participate in campus activities and community service to build meaningful relationships and contribute to societal well-being.
Academic Excellence: Develop strategies and habits that will help you achieve and maintain high academic standards. Enhance your analytical, writing, and study skills to excel in coursework and research.
Time Management and Mindfulness: Learn techniques to balance academic demands with personal well-being for a healthier, more productive college experience.
The Coastal ROOTS Summer Bridge Program will aim to recruit and support first-year students from the following backgrounds:
- First Generation Students
- Students from Low Ascending NC Counties (Rural Counties)
- Students who have participated in a federal, state, or local program that supported students from low-income families (e.g., GEAR UP, TRIO programs such as Upward Bound or others)
The Coastal ROOTS Summer Bridge Program has a distinct program structure to ensure college preparation and continued academic success, which will include cultural exposure, professional development, networking, and community awareness alongside the completion of two university studies courses (Math 150 and English 101). The Coastal ROOTS Summer Bridge Program will welcome thirty students into the summer program.
Upon completion, the ROOTS Summer Bridge Program can join the RISE learning community for their first year (fall and spring semesters).
The program will run from Sunday, June 22 to Friday, July 25, 2025.
Students must accept and commit to The Coastal ROOTS Summer Bridge Program by May 1, annually.
Student scholars will live on campus during the Summer 2 academic semester and take two courses, English 101 and Math 150. Additionally, student scholars will participate in cultural exposure, professional development, networking, financial literacy, and community awareness. The Coastal ROOTS Summer Bridge Program will conclude with a ceremony and an invitation for ROOTS scholars to transfer into the RISE academic year living-learning community.
