UMSL Bridge Program Middle School Academy

Our Middle School Summer Academy offers academic enrichment courses in mathematics, science, written and oral dialogue strategies, career exploration, personal development and empowerment activities that support high school and college planning.

The Bridge Program Middle School Summer Academy is held from mid-June to mid-July for students in grades 6 through 8. Classes meet weekly on UMSL's campus Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

  1. Academic Skills Workshops Include High School Preparation, Mathematics, Science, Writing and Oral Dialogue Strategies:
    Students participate in critical thinking activities designed to enhance their ability to perform well in high school and on standardized exams.

  2. Career Exploration Workshops:
    Students will be involved in career exploration workshops developed to guide students through important key steps for career identification that align with their skills and interests.

Program Requirements

  • All applicants must be currently enrolled in grades 6-8 in a St. Louis Metropolitan school.
  • All applicants must have a 2.5 or higher cumulative grade point average.
  • All applicants must submit a completed application, high school transcript, and behavioral report.
  • All new applicants must have a teacher or counselor submit a recommendation form on their behalf.
    • This is not a requirement for returning Bridge participants.
  • All participants must agree to meet attendance, performance and behavior requirements.
  • All participants are expected to complete assigned tasks and fully participate in class activities to meet program requirements.

Note: Students who participated in previous program components must reapply for consideration.

Students must meet established eligibility, academic, and behavioral standards for admission and continued participation.
The UMSL Bridge Program reserves the right to deny or discontinue participation when these requirements and standards are not met.



Bridge Program Logo

The Benefits of Bridge

All Programs are FREE!

Seniors earn college credit!

Scholarship Opportunities

ACT Prep Courses and Materials

1:1 College Planning Meetings

Student Success Empowerment Workshops

Application Process

The following documents must be submitted to the Bridge Program Office by the application deadline date.

  • Bridge Program Online Application: An online application must be completed by the parent. Please complete all sections no later than the application deadline. Note: The option to apply for the Bridge Program Middle School Summer Academy will only be available when the program is actively admitting students.

  • Recommendation Form: Your school counselor, administrator, or instructor must complete a recommendation form on your behalf. The recommender you list on your application will receive an email with a link to the recommendation form. Please follow up with your recommender to ensure they complete the recommendation form by the application deadline. Note: This is not a requirement for returning Bridge participants.

  • Middle School Report Card: All applicants must upload a copy of their current grade report/transcript that is inclusive of cumulative grade point average. The transcript must be requested from your School Counselor or Registrar.
  • Behavioral Report: All applicants must submit a current behavioral report as part of the application process. This information helps support a safe, positive, and successful experience for every Bridge Program student. The behavioral report must be requested from your School Counselor or Registrar.

Important Dates

  • Friday, May 29, 2026 — Extended Application Deadline
  • Monday, June 15, 2026 — Middle School Summer Academy session begins
  • Friday, July 10, 2026 —  Middle School Summer Academy session ends

Program Meeting Dates

The Middle School Summer Academy will be offered:

Monday, June 15 - Friday, July 10

7:45 am - 12:00 pm