Summer Bridge Program

The Summer Bridge Program has 80 spots available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Summer Bridge Program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is by referral only, for students who have received conditional admission.

In order to be eligible for the Summer Bridge Program, you must have completed high school, confirming graduation with official final transcripts.

Submission of your Summer Bridge Program deposit and program cost is an indicator of your intent to enroll at UMES for the Fall 2026 semester.

The program cost is $1,550 total, and includes five-weeks of courses, on-campus housing, meals, evening activities, and off-campus trips.

$200 deposit + $1,350 program cost = $1,550 total

To register, complete the confirmation form & submit the non-refundable deposit detailed in your 2026 Conditional Admission letter.

The full, non-refundable program cost due date is June 9th, 2026.

General Information Sessions:

Microsoft Teams Meeting – 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM, EST

• Wednesday, February 25th
• Wednesday, March 1th
• Wednesday, March 2th
• Wednesday, April 8th

Deposit: $200

• Due Date: April 14th, 2026 BEFORE 3:00 PM

Participant Program Calls:

Microsoft Teams – 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, EST

• Wednesday, April 22nd
• Wednesday, May 6th
• Wednesday, May 20th
• Wednesday, June 3rd
• Wednesday, June 24th

Program Payment Due Date: $1,350

• Tuesday June 9th, 2026 BEFORE 3:00 PM EST

Program Dates:

• July 5th, 2026 – August 7th, 2026

Before you come to campus in June, you must

2026 INFORMATION TO BE ANNOUNCED

• Attend our Summer Bridge Program Information Sessions and Calls
  • The Microsoft Teams link will be sent out via the emails collected on the referral letter Microsoft Form.
• Set up your UMES.EDU Email and network account
• Complete and submit your Health History & Immunization Forms (required for move-in)
• If you received accommodations in high school, complete the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) intake form, where an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan can be directly uploaded.
• Have your high school send your final official transcripts to umesadmissions@umes.edu

After you successfully complete Summer Bridge, we will help you with…

• Registering for Fall 2026 courses
• Signing up for on-campus residence and a meal plan for 2026-27
• Finalizing your 2026-27 financial aid

• Q: “Can I still work at my job after class / on the weekend?”
  • A: Due to the intensive and immersive nature of this program, students are required to live on campus and participate fully in daily classes, workshops, and evening activities. To ensure students can be fully present and engaged in their studies, employment is not permitted during the program.
    • A letter of program enrollment can be created and provided to your employer upon request, once your program deposit is made. This letter confirms registration for the program, the program dates, and requests an excusal from work during this time. To request an enrollment letter, email hbpenuel@umes.edu with your full name, your employers name, and their email address.
• Q: “Do I have to live on campus if I live nearby?”
  • A: Yes. Summer Bridge is a residential program, designed to immerse students into college life and independence. Students are required to live on campus during the program.
• Q: “Can I leave campus during the program?”
  • A: No, unless for an approved reason, such as graduation or appointments. For further questions or to request an excusal, contact summerbridge@umes.edu .
• Q: “Are visitors allowed?”
  • A: No outside guests are permitted during the program, including parents/guardians. This helps ensure students experience independence and supports a focused learning environment.
• Q: “Will I have a roommate?” , “Can I request a roommate?”
  • A: Yes, students will have a roommate.
  • A: Yes, you may request another Summer Bridge student as your roommate. Requests can be communicated during later stages of programming and communication.
  • Housing is assigned based on gender, with male and female students in separate buildings. Building assignments are determined by the Office of Residence Life based on availability. We aim to provide a safe and affirming space. Please email hbpenuel@umes.edu to confidentially discuss housing needs.