SCHEV-funded Bridge Forward program gives incoming students a confident, connected start before their first semester begins
Ƶ has been selected as one of 10 institutions across Virginia to receive a competitive grant from the (SCHEV) to support an innovative summer bridge program for incoming students.
The $30,000 award will help launch Bridge Forward this August, a pre-orientation experience designed to give first-year students a strong, confident start to their college journey — before the fall semester even begins.
“Bridge Forward is about creating momentum,” said Dr. Carey Usher, vice president of student engagement. “We want students to arrive on campus already feeling connected, capable, and excited about what’s ahead.”
A Strong Start — Before Day One
The August program is designed to help students navigate the transition to college life while building meaningful relationships with peers, faculty, and staff. Participants will:
- Earn up to three semester hours of college credit
- Build early connections within the Ƶ community
- Participate in workshops focused on navigating college successfully
- Explore Staunton and the surrounding region through shared experiences
The program places a particular emphasis on supporting first-generation college students and those from high schools with higher rates of free and reduced lunch participation, while remaining open to any incoming student who wants to get a head start.
Built Around Belonging and Confidence
At its core, Bridge Forward reflects Ƶ’s belief that student success begins with a sense of belonging and clarity.
Rather than waiting until the first day of classes, the program creates space for students to:
- Understand how college works, academically and socially
- Develop confidence in navigating campus resources
- Form early friendships and support networks
- Engage with faculty in a low-pressure, high-impact environment
This early foundation helps students begin the semester not just prepared, but already connected.
A Natural Extension of the Ƶ Signature
Bridge Forward is closely aligned with the Ƶ Signature, the university’s distinctive approach to undergraduate education that integrates academic pathways, mentorship, and real-world experience.
Students in the program will begin engaging with elements that define the Signature experience, including:
- Academic Neighborhoods, where students connect with faculty and peers around shared interests
- The Commons at Grafton Library, a centralized hub for advising, tutoring, career support, and student success resources
- A clear, guided pathway through their first year and beyond
By introducing these components early, Bridge Forward helps students step into the full Ƶ experience with clarity and purpose.