Summer Bridge Program

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

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

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 covers five-weeks of courses, on-campus housing, meals, evening activities, and off-campus trips.

General Information Sessions: Microsoft Teams Meeting – 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, EST

• Wednesday, March 11th
• Wednesday, March 25th
• Wednesday, April 1st

Selected Participant Program Calls: Microsoft Teams – 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, EST

• Wednesday, April 22nd
• Wednesday, May 6th
• Wednesday, May 20th
• Wednesday, June 3rd
• Wednesday, June 24th
• Wednesday, July 1st

Payment Due Dates:

• Deposit Due: Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 BEFORE 3:00 PM
• Full Cost Due: Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 BEFORE 3:00 PM EST

In-Person Program Dates:

Sunday, July 5th, 2026 – Friday, August 7th, 2026

Before selected students come to campus in July:

• Attend all Summer Bridge Program Calls
  • Set up your UMES.EDU Email and network account
  • Submit complete Health History & Immunization Forms (required for move-in)
• If you received accommodations in high school, complete the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) intake form
  • an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) / 504 can be directly uploaded.
• Send final official transcripts to umesadmissions@umes.edu

Upon successfully completing Summer Bridge, attend New Hawk Day, Friday, August 7th to:

• Register for Fall 2026 courses
• Meet with Financial Aid and Student Accounts
• Sign up for on-campus residence and a meal plan for 2026-27
• Request fall housing/roommate
  • NOTE: THE HOUSING DEPOSIT IS WAIVED FOR SBP ($300)

• Q: “For Fall admission, what are the requirements?”
  • A:
  • Pass English (70%)
  • Pass Math (70%)
  • Score “30” on the ALEKs Math Placement Test
• 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, with prior communication and coordination. 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.