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 the College Prep Opportunity of a Lifetime
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 to Wheaton College reserved just for BRIDGE students.
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.