Learn More About BRIDGE

In honoring its commitment to promote diversity, address inequalities, pursue academic excellence and foster spiritual growth, Wheaton College offers the BRIDGE program completely free of charge. The College pays for all program materials, faculty, housing, food and activities through its generous endowment. Additionally, if you complete the two-year program, you'll be eligible to apply for one of several full-tuition scholarships.

Get a Taste of College Life

Live in a dorm, eat in a dining hall and make friends with students from other Chicago area high schools. As a scholar in the BRIDGE program, you'll spend four consecutive weeks for two summers living like a college student at Wheaton College.

Get Immersed in Christian Community

Build relationships with college students who are pursuing knowledge and, at the same time, pursuing Christ. Through in-depth Bible studies and one-on-one mentoring relationships, you'll have opportunities to deepen your faith and live in community with peers and mentors who seek to strengthen their own Christian commitment.

Get Ahead with Academic Enrichment

Prepare for the academic rigors of college life as you learn the advanced writing and critical thinking skills necessary for college success. In addition to engaging in relevant courses taught by Wheaton College faculty, lectures by guest speakers and thought-provoking field trips, you'll receive academic support and guidance through the college application process.

Get a Chance to Give Back

During the second summer of the BRIDGE program, scholars will participate in professional development training. Training will equip scholars to envision, coordinate, and implement a college access event in their school, church, or community. As a result, scholars will have the opportunity to develop their professional skills while encouraging their younger peers in the pursuit of higher education.

Admission into Wheaton College

To be eligible for admission into Wheaton, scholars will need to complete the Wheaton College admission application, which will be evaluated through the regular admissions process. Scholars who successfully complete the two summers and are admitted into Wheaton are eligible to apply for one of seven full-tuition scholarships set aside specifically for BRIDGE alumni. Scholars are also eligible for other significant scholarships and aid.