Summer Bridge Program

The Summer Bridge Program has 100 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.

Submission of your Summer Bridge Program deposit and program cost is an indicator of your intent to enroll at UMES for the Fall 2025 semester.

The program cost is $1,500 total, and includes six-weeks of courses, on-campus housing, meals, evening activities, and off-campus trips.

$150 deposit + $1,350 program cost = $1,500 total

To register, complete the confirmation form & submit the non-refundable deposit of $150 to Student Accounts by April 18th, 2025 @ 3:00 PM, EST.

The full, non-refundable $1,350 program cost is due June 13th, 2025 by 3:00 PM.

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

• Wednesday, March 12th
• Wednesday, March 26th
• Wednesday, April 9th

Deposit Due Date: $150

• April 18th, 2025 BEFORE 3:00 PM

Pre-Program Calls: Microsoft Teams – 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, EST

• Wednesday, April 30th
• Wednesday, May 14th
• Wednesday, May 28th

Program Payment Due Date: $1,350

• June 13th, 2025 BEFORE 3:00 PM

Program Dates:

• June 21st, 2025 – July 25th, 2025
• Program Starts:
  • Saturday, June 21st, 2025
  • Move-In by 12:00 PM (More information to come)
• IMPORTANT: JULY 4th CLOSURE
  • UMES will close for the federal holiday the Fourth of July. We recognize that coordinating student departure on Thursday, July 3rd conflicts with many work schedules. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and wish to coordinate this in advance.
  • STUDENTS LEAVE: THURSDAY, JULY 3rd
  • CAMPUS CLOSED: FRIDAY, JULY 4th
  • STUDENTS RETURN: SUNDAY, JULY 6th
    • BY 3:00 PM
• Program Ends:
  • Friday, July 25th, 2025
  • Move-Out
  • New Hawk Day – Admitted Students
    • Officially join the Hawk Family at New Hawk Day, our Freshmen Orientation. Meet with admissions, housing, and register for classes – leave ready to soar into the Fall 2025 semester!

All dates have been entered into this Google Calendar. Save the link!

Before you come to campus in June, you must

• Attend our Summer Bridge Program Information Sessions and Calls
  • The Microsoft Teams link will be sent out via the emails collected on the Summer Bridge Confirmation 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 2025 courses
• Signing up for on-campus residence and a meal plan for 2025-26
• Finalizing your 2025-26 financial aid

• Q: “Campus closes for the 4th of July. When do students have to leave, and when can they return?”
  • A: Students must leave campus on Thursday, July 3rd, with a departure time of 12:00 PM (noon). Students may return to campus on Sunday, July 6th, and we hope to have them on campus by 3:00 PM.
  • We understand that planning around this break can be challenging, and we’re sharing these details in advance to help families make arrangements. Times are slightly flexible—please reach out if you anticipate any travel concerns or need support coordinating transportation.
• Q: “I graduate after the program start date of June 21st. What should I do?”
  • A: Reach out to the Summer Bridge Program Coordinator, Ms. Hailey Penuel, at hbpenuel@umes.edu as soon as possible.
    • We ask that you still plan to arrive on June 21st so we can check you in and complete all necessary onboarding. Students in this situation are permitted to leave for their graduation ceremony—we understand how important this milestone is.
    • Be sure to speak with your high school about the Summer Bridge Program dates (June 21 – July 25, 2025) and share that participation is part of your conditional admission to UMES. If possible, advocate for early graduation or arrangements to have your final transcript sent as early as possible to umesadmissions@umes.edu.
• 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.

Linens

• Bed sheets (Twin XL size)
• Comforter
• Pillow and pillowcase
• Laundry bag or hamper

Bathroom Supplies

• Towels
• Washcloths
• Shower shoes (flip-flops recommended)
• Shower caddy
• Body soap or body wash
• Shampoo and conditioner

Personal Care Items

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Hairbrush or comb
• Hair products
• Medications (6-week supply)
• Toiletries and cosmetics

Outdoor Items

• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Personal fan or cooling cloth
• Sun hat
• Small first-aid kit

School Supplies

• Laptop or tablet and charger
• Notebook or binder
• Pens and pencils
• Backpack

Miscellaneous Items

• Identification (ID card)
• Money for trips or personal expenses
• Personal fan
• Small first-aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Extension cord/power strip
• Cell phone and charger
• Headphones

Clothing Essentials

• Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
• Athletic clothing
• Casual daily clothing (laundry facilities available)
• Pajamas
• Bathing suit
• Hoodie or rain jacket
• Appropriate clothing for varying weather

End-of-Program Banquet: Dress for Success

• Please dress in business casual style:
  • Collared shirt, button-up shirt, or blouse
  • Dress pants, khakis, or slacks
  • Dress or skirt (appropriate length)

Here is a sample schedule of a weekday during the 2024 Summer Bridge Program:

In 2024, we went to a Delmarva Shorebirds baseball game & to the Ocean City, MD boardwalk

In 2025, we plan to visit the Ocean City, MD boardwalk and Washington, D.C.

As the 2025 schedule continues to develop, please visit the Google Calendar linked in the “Important Dates” section for the most up-to-date information.