Liftoff! Summer Bridge Program
Liftoff! is a unique summer experience occurring July 14th - August 9th in-person where incoming first year students have the opportunity to live on-campus, complete 4-credit hours of study, meet fellow Leathernecks, and get all the insight they need to be ready for their experience at Western Illinois University! There are required virtual orientation and preparation meetings before participants move-in on July 14th!
The summer bridge experience includes:
- Completing two credit-bearing courses; English 100 and University 100
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- Pre-experience orientation sessions occurring in the weeks before Liftoff! virtually
- Living in one of the residence halls throughout the 4-week experience
- Developing connections with other students before the semester begins
- Connecting with upper-division students serving as Leatherneck Success Leaders who will be a resource throughout the first-year experience
For many students, the cost of room and board, tuition and fees, and program costs will be covered through support from Western Illinois University's Foundation and with state and federal aid. Participants are required to complete the current and previous year's FAFSA.
This limited enrollment program is designed for incoming first year students. Preference will be given to students who are identified as meeting two or more of the below criteria:
Applications are due June 28th, 2024. Applicants will be notified no later than July 7th, 2024 about their application status.
Click on the tabs below to learn more about the summer bridge program experience.
Why Participate?
Get a head start on your college academic experience!
- Earn college credit and boost your GPA by completing the valuable college courses: English 100 and University 100.
- Learn about navigating WesternOnline.
- Understand academic support resources and how to utilize.
- Lock in current tuition and fee rates at Western Illinois University.
Connect with other students!
- Get to know other incoming students so you already know others before coming to campus.
- Get to know faculty, staff, and others who will help you succeed!
- Learn about involvement and engagement opportunities.
How to Register
Review the Summer Bridge Program Participation Agreement here to determine if you are interested in the program.
Interested incoming first year students can register by completing the registration form found here.
Applications are due June 28th, 2024. Applicants will be notified no later than July 7th, 2024 about their application status.
Students will be required to complete a FAFSA for both the upcoming academic year, as well as the current academic year. Our Liftoff! team can assist connecting you with the Office of Financial Aid for any questions you may have.
Once you complete the registration form, our Liftoff! team will be in contact with you to confirm all needed information. Be sure to check your WIU email for information.
This limited enrollment program is designed for incoming first year students who are identified as being:
- Admitted into the WIU
Reach Program
- First-Generation College Students
- Federal Pell-Grant eligible
Preference will be given to students who are identified as meeting two or more of the above criteria.
What to Expect
Students participating in the Liftoff! Summer Bridge Program program will move on-campus July 14th, 2024 and stay for four weeks while completing 2 courses in a cohort-like experience. There will be required pre-experience orientation sessions the weeks before Liftoff! begins. Students will be active in class during the day and have extracurricular, study, and academic success focused activities in the evening. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with the Macomb community during weekend experiences and will be guided by their instructors and Leatherneck Success Leaders. Summer Bridge Program participates will experience small group activities and interactions to get to know resources and supports here at Western Illinois University.
Partipation in the Liftoff! Summer Bridge Program requires an in-person four week commitment with virtual meetings the weeks prior. This includes attendance at all classes, meetings and events.
Courses taken during the bridge program can and will impact the participants overall incoming WIU GPA
.
Contact
If you have any questions about Liftoff! feel free to email retention@wiu.edu
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