If you have a question about our program, you'll find the answer to the most frequently asked ones in the following list. If that doesn't give you the answer, contact the BRIDGE director.
There is no application fee and no cost to attend the program.
If you are currently a sophomore from the Chicagoland area who meets at least one of the following criteria: first generation, low income, or from an ethnicity underrepresented in higher education, and you are seeking to grow in academic knowledge, college readiness, and Christian faith, you are eligible for Wheaton College's BRIDGE Program. Limited spots are also available for juniors. Wheaton College will evaluate and select applicants based upon leadership qualities, Christian commitment, and academic achievement. To qualify for the scholarship to attend Wheaton College, you must complete the four-week summer program two summers in a row (if you are a junior currently applying to participate in this summer's program, you will also be eligible for the scholarship).
To apply for the BRIDGE program, you will need to provide a completed application online, three letters of recommendation, and a high school transcript. Interviews are required.
Saturday: Scholars will spend Saturday mornings catching up on sleep and homework, and they will spend Saturday afternoons participating in recreational activities, including field trips and team building activities. A family weekend will be held the second Saturday of BRIDGE.
Sunday: Each Sunday, scholars will visit a different church in the community. After church, scholars will have free time until 6:00 p.m.
To be eligible to return for the second summer, scholars must continue to demonstrate academic achievement and participate in BRIDGE. sponsored activities throughout the school year.
During the first summer, scholars will receive a general overview of a Christian Liberal Arts education, and will focus on developing skills that will help them continue to succeed in high school.
The second summer, scholars will focus on preparing for the academic and social transition into college. Scholars will participate in two month-long college level courses taught by Wheaton College professors, as well as develop a college and scholarship application plan for the fall of their senior year. Scholars will receive professional development training in order to prepare for employment and internship opportunities throughout college.