Main Navigation

Home Refuges Afterschool Refuges Bridge

REFUGE BRIDGE PROGRAM

The REFUGES Bridge Program, launched in 2013, is designed for incoming University of Utah freshmen who are interested in majoring in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) field. The program provides young people with a supportive peer group and a unique summer opportunity to live on campus, attend classes, and jumpstart their college experience. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Refuges Afterschool Program Overview


Students entering the REFUGES Bridge Program will:

  • Attend REFUGES program orientation
  • Attend University of Utah orientation events in June together as a cohort. (The required date will be provided by the coordinator)
  • Live on-campus in the student dormitories for 7 weeks
  • Complete two, for-credit courses that count towards University of Utah undergraduate degree requirements and prepare students for success in STEM: Math 1010 or Math 1050 (College Algebra) and LEAP 1100 (Pre-STEM). Math 1050 and LEAP 1100 will fulfill one quantitative reasoning requirement, one humanities requirement, and the diversity requirement.
  • Participate in weekly social activities and/or group seminars
  • Receive a $1,000 cash award, free tuition, and free housing and meals for the Summer semester
  • Receive continued support during Freshman year, including
    • Mandatory participation in LEAP 1101 in the following Fall semester
    • Invitations to attend group social activities and/or seminars
    • Regular check-ins from the REFUGES Academic Coordinator

Refuges Bridge Summer Gallery

Each summer students in the REFUGES Bridge Program participate in a variety of activities such as visiting Antelope Island, Danger Cave, the Bonneville Salt Flats, the College of Nursing, the College of Mines and Earth Sciences, the School of Dentistry, and research labs across the university.
Sponsors & Partners
The CSME’s REFUGES program would not be possible without the generous financial and in-kind support of our sponsors and community collaborators.
  • The Tanner Trust
  • Northrop Grumman
  • College of Science
  • College of Mines and Earth Sciences
  • UU LEAP Program
  • UU Math Department
  • The College of Nursing
  • Friends of the Great Salt Lake
  • Dr. Sten Hasselquist from UU Department of Physics & Astronomy
  • JoJo Beyene

Applications & Information


Currently REFUGES Summer Bridge is not accepting applications. For more information view our flyer.

For more information contact REFUGES Academic Coordinator Allyson Rocks.

Refuges Program Flyer