The transition from high school to a large university can be challenging, especially for first-generation college students and those from small, rural or resource-limited schools. Now, thanks to significant private support, more North Carolinians will start their college journey at UNC-Chapel Hill with the academic confidence, relationships and support networks they need to thrive.
Since 1980, the Summer Bridge Program in the College of Arts and Sciences has helped students prepare for college. Jason Shroff ’02, ’06 (JD) and Amy Shroff ’02 have committed to endowing the program. Their support is helping to grow one of the University’s longest-running and most effective initiatives for student success. In honor of their generosity and dedication to student opportunity, the program will now be called the Shroff Summer Bridge Program.
“As the state’s flagship institution, we have a responsibility and commitment to serve and educate North Carolinians. Ensuring that our students succeed is a critical part of that responsibility,” Provost Magnus Egerstedt said. “Thanks to the generosity of Jason and Amy Shroff, Summer Bridge will continue to play a vital part in how we help students from across North Carolina gain a strong start, build self-confidence, and connect with the community that will support their success throughout their time at Carolina.”
"It's just been so nice to do Summer Bridge because we've gotten to meet tons of people," said Jessica Cuellar Bolanos, photographed this summer at the Old Well with her 2026 cohort. (Donn Young/College of Arts and Sciences)
For six weeks each summer during the program, students live on campus, take classes, and earn credits before their first fall semester. They build support networks with faculty and peer mentors, get a head start on college coursework, and find a sense of community before the school year begins. Bridgees, as participants are called, are paired with a peer mentor for the experience to help guide them through potentially bumpy experiences like living with a roommate for the first time and signing up for classes.
“Summer Bridge is Carolina. Carolina is for all, for everyone. I had the greatest sense of belonging when I was in this program. I had my staff, my mentors and my peers. I got to learn and have all the time to grow,” reflected Cecilia Medina, a third-year student from Farmville, North Carolina, who is an alumna of the program and mentor to current students. “And then when I went into my fall semester, I realized how much all the experiences had helped me.”
As a Summer Bridge peer mentor, Medina gets to see new Tar Heels have that same experience. “I think this program represents what Carolina represents; that everyone has a place here.”
Bridgees earn up to seven credit hours by taking three courses during the six-week program, one of which is the one-credit First Year Foundations course "College Thriving." (Donn Young/College of Arts and Sciences)
Housing and tuition costs are covered, and students receive a stipend to help with additional expenses like books and on-campus dining. This early support really matters to students — Bridgees have high retention and graduation rates.
"Before Summer Bridge, I was just so nervous to make friends, really. I've always been a person who likes to be surrounded by people to feel comfortable, and my biggest fear was not finding those people and feeling a little bit alone," said Jessica Cuellar Bolanos, a first-year student from Hudson, North Carolina, and summer of 2026 alumna of the program. "It's just been so nice to do Summer Bridge because we've gotten to meet tons of people, and have a roommate for the first time, and learn how to live with someone else."
Cuellar Bolanos said that the program helped her discover her best approach for studying and gave her a chance to explore the University before the wave of people came. "I was able to take it all in," reflected Cuellar Bolanos. "After Summer Bridge, easing into my fall semester was quick and easy!"
Having mentors who are fellow students and program alumni is meaningful to current students. "The mentors and the tutors, they were in our shoes this time last year or two years ago. They understand our struggles," Cuellar Bolanos said. "Knowing that they had to kind of evolve into understanding in those six weeks, too, it really helps us because it feels like they understand us on a deeper level than someone who didn't go through that."
"My mentor is always there if I need a laugh," Cuellar Bolanos said. "I had a really tough day, but talking to her made me feel really good. And if I needed to have a serious conversation, she was always there to have one with me. I can talk to her about anything."
At the end of each summer, Bridgees attend a closing ceremony where students receive certificates of completion and their hard work is celebrated by faculty, staff and family. (Photo by Donn Young/College of Arts and Sciences)
In the last 20 years, more than 1,000 students have completed the Summer Bridge Program. The majority of Bridgees are from rural North Carolina counties, and 82% of the 2026 class are first-generation college students, including Cuellar Bolanos.
“The Shroff Summer Bridge Program reflects the magic of Carolina,” said Jim White, Craver Family Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “It helps students find their place at Carolina from day one. Through the Shroffs’ generous investment, more students will experience a program that makes a top global research university feel smaller while preparing them for success in work, leadership and life.”
The Shroffs believe that higher education opens the door for incredible opportunities, expanding students' career paths and life experiences. "Education unlocks more than job opportunities; it unlocks the opportunity to grow relationally, be challenged in other areas of your life and then be in a position to do the same or more for others," Amy reflected.
"Summer Bridge is an amazing program filled with amazing people that have these amazing stories," Jason said. "They are so talented in so many different ways. And their excitement and joy to be a part of UNC is contagious."
When thinking back on her experience, what means the most to Cuellar Bolanos is how she's able to help her new friends navigate their own arrivals on campus. "Being a Bridgee, to me, means being someone who can help lead newer UNC students to feel more comfortable and find their place here."
Learn more at the College of Arts & Sciences Magazine.
Video by Chase Martin, University Communications and Marketing