NextGen Summer Bridge

How would participating in the NextGen Summer Bridge Program benefit me?
NextGen Summer Bridge provides a high-level learning environment where you will network with staff and peers, engage in a variety of activities designed to support your success as a Panther and strengthen your knowledge on campus resources.

 

How will I know I have been accepted to the program?
A congratulatory email will be sent to your PBSC student email address. Contact us at studentsuccess@pbsc.edu if you have not received an email 2-3 weeks after you applied. We will gladly check for you.

 

Can I participate if I am a recent high school graduate, but have earned college credits through dual enrollment, AICE, AP or IB?
Yes, we have an accelerated path to help you join PBSC's Honors College and/or complete an associate degree in less than two years. 

 

Can I participate if I am an early admission student?
Not currently. This program is only for students who have graduated high school and matriculated to PBSC.

 

Do I have to attend the entire program, meaning all 8 days of orientation plus classes in the summer Express B term?
Yes, your full commitment is required. Completing this program in its entirety will immerse you in an excellent learning environment and create a memorable beginning to your college experience. More importantly, you will be able to start college early and set yourself up to finish in two years or less.

 

Am I able to work during the NextGen Summer Bridge Program?
We expect you to focus on your academic transition and building strong connections with the campus community. The two-week experience is intense and leaves little room to include working. We recommend you submit your FAFSA application early and plan to budget your financial refund accordingly to account for not working during the summer.

 

Can I skip summer Express B classes and start classes in the fall?
No. We reserve seats in summer Express B classes for NextGen Summer Bridge participants. The summer semester introduces you to the college experience and is a fantastic way to get acclimated to college life, academic expectations and how you plan to balance it all in advance of the fall semester. 

 

Can I participate even if I am attending another school in the fall?
No. This program is uniquely designed for students who intend on graduating from PBSC with their A.A. or A.S. degrees.

 

Do I have to complete a FAFSA to be eligible for the program and/or scholarships?
It depends. Eligible students are encouraged to complete BOTH the PBSC Foundation scholarship application and the FAFSA applications. Financial Aid advisors are available to assist with filing FAFSA forms. Eligible non-citizens and students who want to pay out of pocket are encouraged to contact program staff for guidance before applying to the program.

 

Can I still participate even though I am not eligible for state/federal student aid?
Yes, eligible non-citizens and students who want to pay out of pocket can still participate. Contact staff at studentsuccess@pbsc.edu to discuss your individual situation before applying to the program.

 

Do I have to pay the $40 application fee?
Yes, unless you meet certain criteria (i.e., receive an ACT/SAT test fee waiver, receive public assistance, qualify for a DCF waiver).

 

Do I have to pay for the NextGen Summer Bridge Program?
No! Thanks to our generous sponsors, the orientation part of the program is offered at no or low cost to most students.

 

Will NextGen Summer Bridge pay for the Introduction to the College Experience (SLS1501) class or other summer classes?
NextGen does not specifically pay for summer expenses. As a NextGen student, you are encouraged to apply for the $500 First Step2Success scholarship. All financial aid is contingent upon eligibility based on the FAFSA application. Pell Grant funding will be utilized prior to the awarding of any private or institutional funds. 

 

What if I am awarded the $500 First Step to Success scholarship and want to enroll in a second class in addition to SLS1501? Will that be covered too?
Not at this time. The First Step2Success Scholarship is a $500 award that covers one class and education supplies. Students wanting to take additional classes should complete the FAFSA application and apply for private scholarships. PBSC also has tuition payment plans for students who plan to pay out of pocket.

 

How will I know if I have been awarded the First Step to Success Scholarship or any Foundation scholarship?
Decisions will be made in early June. While you await a decision, make sure you submit documentation to meet Florida residency requirements and register for your SLS1501 class. You will receive notification of your award from the financial aid office to your PBSC student email address. 

 

Are accessibility services and/or accommodations available?
Yes. Please register with the Center for Student Accessibility (CSA) and indicate that you are participating in the NextGen Summer Bridge Program.

 

Is transportation assistance available for the two-week orientation if I do not live near the Lake Worth campus?
Yes, transportation from the Belle Glade campus is offered daily for the two weeks. Bus passes may also be available for program participants. After the two weeks, students can use them to attend classes at any of the five campuses during Express B term. Indicate your transportation needs on the application.

 

Will breakfast and lunch be provided all 8 days?
Lunch and snacks are served daily. However, students are responsible for their own breakfast. Indicate dietary needs on the program application.