Over the summer, 32 students earned admission to Bellarmine University through a free, monthlong residential college readiness program that successfully prepared a diverse group of high school graduates for their college journey.
Now in its second year,
Bridge to BU is a transformative and results-oriented program that builds a strong foundation for conditionally admitted students, increasing their opportunities for retention, persistence and graduation while preparing them for successful lives and careers. All participants take seven credits of college-level courses and are grouped into four different academic tracks based on their intended majors. This year’s offerings included courses in Psychology, Medical Terminology, and Art, as well as courses in Math, English, Academic Success Skills, and a new Global History course that is part of the university’s updated core curriculum. In addition to their work in the classroom, participants connected with key personnel and offices from across campus and built a strong community through a full calendar of co-curricular and social programming.
In 2024, the Bridge to BU program welcomed 34 participants planning to pursue 17 different academic majors. While most of the participants were local, 24% of them came from seven states beyond Kentucky. Notably, 79% of the participants were part of the first generation in their families to pursue a college education.
The program's commitment to fostering academic excellence is evident in the remarkable outcomes achieved by the participants. An impressive 94% of the students successfully completed the Bridge to BU program, marking a significant improvement from the 80% completion rate of the previous year. These dedicated individuals showcased their intellectual prowess, boasting an average GPA of 3.4. Furthermore, 91% of the cohort earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher, setting a strong foundation for their future academic endeavors.
Through pre- and post-program assessments, participants demonstrated substantial growth in their writing and math abilities. On average, their writing scores improved by an impressive 36%, while their math scores increased by an average of 7%. These advancements reflect the program's commitment to equipping students with the necessary tools to excel in their college coursework.
"We are immensely proud of the Bridge to BU participants and their remarkable accomplishments,” said Dr. Jon Blandford, Bellarmine’s assistant provost and one of four members of the Bridge to BU leadership team. “Without this initiative, these talented individuals would not have had the opportunity to enroll at Bellarmine University this fall. This program has provided them with the support and resources needed to overcome barriers and succeed in higher education. We are delighted to have these new Knights as part of our community, know they have much that they will contribute to Bellarmine, and look forward to following their progress and continuing to support their success.”
Along with Blandford, the leadership team includes Dr. Dominique Clayton, assistant dean of Academic Services; Natalie Cousin, assistant director of strategic enrollment partnerships ; and Dr. Emily Howard, director of the Dr. Patricia Carver Office of Identity and Inclusion.
Bridge to BU reflects Bellarmine’s strategic plan, Tradition and Transformation, which calls for expanding Bellarmine’s commitment to college access for students of all backgrounds.