The Bridge Scholarship is a merit-based, full-tuition award for graduating seniors of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions who would benefit from a year of academic study at a leading research university. Scholarship recipients enroll in 2 courses per quarter, earning a total of 600 units of credit for the academic year.
About the Scholarship
The Graham School began the program in Autumn 2015 with 50% tuition scholarships, expanding it to full-tuition scholarships in 2016-17. Subject to availability and their qualifications, students are eligible to enroll in graduate or undergraduate-level courses in the University’s graduate divisions and schools, with the exceptions of the Booth School of Business, the Pritzker School of Medicine, and the Law School. Academic advisors work closely with departmental advisors and area deans of students to provide ongoing support.
Program Objectives
- Enable students to pursue research, lab, or volunteer experiences on or off-campus, in addition to formal coursework
- Encourage students to develop ties to graduate faculty mentors
- Provide students with an opportunity to hone their research skills and academic interests
Scholarship Requirements
- Institutional letter of nomination
- BA or BS from an HBCU or HSI at time of matriculation
- Students should be in their final year of undergraduate studies at time of application
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
Application and Selection Process
- To apply, students must be graduating seniors of either an HBCU or HSI and will need to submit the following:
- Institutional letter of nomination
- 3 letters of recommendation, at least two of which are from faculty
- Official undergraduate transcript
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- Institutions may nominate up to 3 candidates
- The selection committee includes: Graham School Dean, Graham School academic associate deans, University faculty, and University Vice Provost for Academic Leadership, Advancement and Diversity
- Up to 10 scholarships will be awarded for the 2018-19 academic year
Profile of Recent Bridge Scholar from UIC:
Mateo Uribe Rios graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Political Science. While a Bridge Scholar, he took courses in the Centers for Human Rights and Latin American Studies, as well as the School of Social Service Administration. He was accepted to the Master’s Program at SSA with a scholarship; he matriculated in Autumn 2017.
Deadline for institutional nomination, completed student online application, and letters of recommendation: April 16, 2018
