Summer Bridge Scholars Program

Start strong this summer. Earn credits, make friends and get comfortable on campus before your first fall at Montclair begins.

Room of students on computers.
  • Get a head start on college by earning up to six degree credits before your first fall semester.
  • Take Montclair courses with professors who will challenge you and help you build confidence in your college-level skills.
  • Choose a residential or commuter track so you can either live on campus or commute while still joining classes and events.
  • Join workshops on topics like time management, study skills, financial literacy, and wellness so you know what to expect in the fall.
  • Meet other new students, explore campus and start building your friend group and support network before classes officially begin.

Turn Your Summer into a Head Start

Join Montclair’s Summer Bridge Scholars Program to earn credits, build confidence and ease into college life.

Register Today
Three female students walking around campus laughing and conversating.

Your Options for Summer Bridge

Incoming freshmen can jump-start college in July through Montclair’s Summer Bridge Scholars Program and earn six degree credits before fall.

Student wearing a Montclair Red Hawk t-shirt smiles while working on a laptop outside an academic building during summer.

Live and Learn on Campus

Residential 6-Credit Track: Take two in-person courses while living on campus, with housing, meal plan, books, and events included – all for a discounted price of $1,795 (a $6,500+ value).

Student in a blue shirt sits outdoors on campus, focused on working on a laptop with a Red Hawk sticker.

Commute and Stay Connected

Commuter Hybrid 6-Credit Track: Take two courses (a mix of virtual and in-person) with books, Red Hawk Dollars for meals, and events included – at a discounted price of $1,395 (a $5,000+ value).

Finding My Place Before Fall

Katie Cicero
“The Summer Bridge classes were long, but it was a really good experience because I made a lot of friends and it helped me get used to the school.”

Katie Cicero ’27

Food and Nutrition Science

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What is the Summer Bridge Scholars Program?

The Summer Bridge Scholars Program is a four-week experience for incoming first-year students that runs from July 1 to July 31. It is designed to help you adjust academically and socially before your first fall semester while earning credits that count toward your degree.

  • Get a head start on college by earning up to six degree credits.
  • Build skills and experiences that support success in college and beyond.
  • Join workshops and co-curricular activities on topics like health and wellness, financial literacy, and college success strategies.
  • Connect with Montclair faculty, staff, and current students.
  • Receive books and course materials at no additional cost.
  • Choose to live on campus with housing and meals included (for residential participants).
  • Meet and get oriented with other new Red Hawks before the fall.

The Summer Bridge Scholars Program is for incoming, deposited freshmen for the upcoming Fall semester. Nursing majors, Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Scholars, and Health Careers Program students are not eligible for this program.

  • First, submit your enrollment deposit to Montclair for fall 2026.
  • After you deposit, you’ll receive access to the Summer Bridge Scholars Program registration form.
  • Complete the form and watch for a follow-up message with instructions to submit your $250 partial payment to secure your spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive accommodations similar to an IEP or 504?
Yes. You can request accommodations by working with our Disability Resource Center.

Are meals available?
Yes. Meals are available and free of charge for all residential participants.

Can I participate in Summer Bridge if I am an Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), Nursing, or Health Careers Program student?
No. EOF and Health Careers Program students have their own summer program that runs at the same time as Summer Bridge, and the Nursing curriculum does not include a summer session, so these students are not eligible for this program.

I have dual enrollment/AP credits that I’m transferring to Montclair. Can I still participate in Summer Bridge?
Yes. Just be sure to list any dual enrollment or AP credits on your Summer Bridge application.

If I live on campus for Summer Bridge, can I stay on weekends?
Most students check out on Thursday afternoons. Non–New Jersey residents and students with serious extenuating circumstances may apply for weekend housing (about $500) using the Summer Bridge Weekend Housing Request Form. Weekend housing is not guaranteed, must be paid in advance, and meals are not included.

Are the residence halls shared?
Yes. Students live in double rooms with a roommate.

What happens after I sign up?
You’ll get a confirmation email with next steps. You must complete all required action items, including submitting vaccination records by June 1. You’ll then be registered for classes selected by your academic dean and advisors, and your schedule will be available by mid-June.

When will the course offerings be announced for the Summer Bridge Program?
You’ll receive your official schedule by mid-June. Your courses are chosen based on your major and count toward your graduation requirements.

If I’m in the commuter (hybrid) track, do I have to join classes on Zoom or just complete assignments?
You’ll do a mix of live online sessions (synchronous) and independent work (asynchronous) for your online courses.

Are the events from 1:30–4:00 p.m. required?
Yes. Afternoon activities – including academic support, tutoring and workshops – are required parts of the program.

Will I be able to choose which two courses I take over the summer?
No. Courses are assigned to you, and you’ll receive your schedule in mid-June.

Will there be courses for students accepted into the Honors Program?
Yes. Honors students can be placed into appropriate courses as part of Summer Bridge.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help