Summer Bridge Program
Preparing for Success
This series of workshops is designed to introduce students from under-represented communities to the process of selecting, applying to, and preparing for success in a history graduate program. While staying on campus in the spring, participants discuss career and research trajectories, meet historians working in diverse areas, and receive training on how to complete graduate application materials. Students will meet current graduate students in history and work one-on-one with history faculty to develop research plans. The Bridge Program will take place May 7-9, 2025.
Bridge Program Details
The seminar-style setting of the Bridge Program will help participants from neighboring states develop a cohort, which we hope will foster connections that will endure beyond the program as participants continue to share information about career prospects and possibilities, conference opportunities, and to deepen relationships around their common interests.
2024 Bridge Program participants had this to say: “The entire learning process was positive for me. I didn’t know anything coming in, so every opportunity was an opportunity for me to learn.” “Each person I came in contact with, I felt really cared about me and my academic advancement. The networking and mentoring experiences was my favorite part.” “Before the program I was very confused regarding what grad schools actually look for in their applications.” “It is an excellent program and does exactly what it sets out to do. Very glad I came.”
Who is Eligible
Students from communities that are under-represented in the historical profession are invited to apply. Applicants should be at least 18 years of age, should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and should be rising college seniors (or recent grads) with a strong interest in pursuing graduate studies in history.
Apply Here
Prospective participants will send a brief prospectus stating their academic/career goals and research interests and along with one letter of recommendation from a faculty member with whom they have taken a history course. The application deadline is March 7, 2025, with notification by March 21. The 2025 application window opens January 2025.
Stipend
We have budgeted for participant stipends, travel vouchers, and meal per diems. Stipends are $250.00 per participant who completes the program. Participants who apply to UT’s graduate program in history will also receive application fee waivers when applying to graduate school.
Lodging
Lodging is included, and covered by the College. Participants will stay at The Graduate hotel, right off of campus.
Meals
Meals are included and covered by the College. Participants will receive UT meal cards.
Entertainment
Because we want participants to love the Vol experience as much as we do, we have designed evening entertainments. In addition to welcome and closing receptions, we have planned a graduate student evening of dinner and a movie and an evening cruise on the Tennessee River sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Engagement.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
