Summer Bridge
Be Connected. Empowered. Thriving. As a part of the FirstGen program, the Summer Bridge experience is a one-week event where incoming FirstGen students get the chance to connect to the FirstGen community, explore campus and begin their college journey!
College Success Workshops
College isn’t just about learning a subject, it’s about learning who you are. The workshops you will go through during Summer Bridge are designed to enhance and empower you with knowledge and skills that will be helpful during your time at Biola and beyond.
Introduction to Bible Classes
Nervous about your first college class? Our Introduction to Bible Classes class, led by the FirstGen famous, Dr. Leon Harris, will empower you to navigate Biola’s faith environment, while also getting a taste of what you can expect from some of your Bible classes.
Community Events
Life is better together. Get to know other FirstGen students in week-long group activities, competitions and outings. Whether it's exploring new places, staying up late in the dorms or simply having fun throughout the day, our community events will leave you feeling known, connected and excited for the year to begin!
Here's a glimpse of what Summer Bridge offers!
What are students saying?
Summer Bridge has been an encouraging time for me. I really appreciate the practical workshops that helped me to strategize how to approach stress, self-care as well as affirming my career path. They also were able to affirm what I had already been putting into practice thus far! The small groups were super fun, warm and welcoming as well. The Bible sessions by Leon Harris made me feel more excited to take bible courses than be fearful of them. I have a better idea of what to expect now.
Melody Harmon ('21)
Summer Bridge was definitely an amazing experience and it went by so fast. I met some amazing people and the adventures and post hang outs were so fun! I learned a lot of things in the different workshops that are definitely helpful coming into college. I also loved getting an idea of how the Bible class is going to be with the amazing Dr. Harris. Thank you for giving us this amazing experience!
Alexia Costandy ('21)
Summer Bridge was an absolute INCREDIBLE experience that I will definitely remember and cherish. Everyone is so welcoming and I feel so blessed to be a part of such an incredible community. Summer Bridge has impacted me in a way that it has allowed me to venture out of my comfort zone and just socialize with everyone and talk about our journeys in life and alongside God. I am typically shy in big groups, but everyone's warm welcoming and enthusiasm definitely made me feel better and be more confident.
Melanie Rivas ('21)
Ready to jump in?
Dates: Sunday, August 13 — Friday, August 18, 2023
Registration closed for Summer Bridge on August 1, 2023.
Note: If you are a commuter student, then you may still be able to register and attend. Please reach out to carla.logie@biola.edu for further instructions.
Summer Bridge 2023 Schedule
Sunday, August 13
| Topic | Time | Location | Speaker | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Students Living On Campus: Move-In Day
(residential students only) |
12–4:30 p.m. | Residence Halls | Check-in at the Housing Office. You’ll officially move into the dorm room for the whole year. Additional Instructions |
|
| Summer Bridge Kick-Off
(for all students and families) |
5–7 p.m. | Sycamore Lawn | Multiple | RSVP for Summer Bridge Kick-Off Dinner by Aug 4. |
| Activity (Optional) | 7:30–9 p.m. | TBA | TBA | Not required to participate. |
Monday, August 14
| Topic | Time | Location | Speaker | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast (Optional) |
8–9 a.m. | Biola Caf | Breakfast is free. | |
| Welcome & Pre-Assessment | 9–9:30 a.m. | Mayers Auditorium | Carla Logie | Hard start at 9:15 a.m. |
| FirstGen Identity & Overcoming Imposter Syndrome | 9:30–10:30 a.m. | Mayers Auditorium | Dr. Ruby Lin (Assistant Professor, School of Education) |
|
| Biblical Studies Seminiar | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | Mayers Auditorium | Dr. Lisa Igram | |
| Lunch | 12–1:15 p.m. | Biola Caf | ||
| Best Practices for Academic Success | 1:15–2:15 p.m. | Mayers Auditorium | Cristal Carrillo (Senior Academic Advisor) |
Hard start at 1:15 p.m. |
| Break | 2:15–2:30 p.m. | |||
| Career Exploration & Readiness | 2:30–3:30 p.m. | Mayers Auditorium | Raquel McLeod (Director of the Career Center) |
|
| Community-Building Activity | 3:30–5 p.m. | TBA | FirstGen Interns | Activity will be indoors. |
| Dinner | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Biola Caf | ||
| Activity (Optional) |
7–9 p.m. | TBA | FirstGen Interns | Not required to participate. |
Tuesday, August 15
| Topic | Time | Location | Speaker | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast (Optional) |
8–9 a.m. | Biola Caf | Breakfast is free. | |
| Financial Aid 101 & Demistifying Loans | 9–10:15 a.m. | Mayers Auditorium | Biola Financial Aid Office | Hard start at 9:15 a.m. |
| Break | 10:15–10:30 a.m. | |||
| Biblical Studies Seminar | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | Mayers Auditorium | TBA | |
| Lunch | 12–1:15 p.m. | Biola Caf | ||
| Break | 1:15–1:30 p.m. | |||
| FirstGen Money Management | 1:30–3 p.m. | Mayers Auditorium | Dr. Shane Enete (Associate Professor of Finance) |
Hard start at 1:30 p.m. |
| Break | 3–3:30 p.m. | |||
| Community-Building Activity | 3:30–5 p.m. | Various locations | FirstGen Interns | Activity will be outdoors (wear comfortable shoes and clothes). |
| Dinner | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Biola Caf | ||
| Activity (Optional) |
7–9 p.m. | TBA | FirstGen Interns | Not required to participate. |
Wednesday, August 16
| Topic | Time | Location | Speaker | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast (Optional) |
8–9 a.m. | Biola Caf | Breakfast is free. | |
| Time Management 101 | 9–10:15 a.m. | Mayers Auditorium | Jen Fanning (Director of the Learning Center) |
Hard start at 9:15 a.m. |
| Break | 10:15–10:30 a.m. | |||
| Biblical Studies Seminar | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | Mayers Auditorium | TBA | |
| Lunch | 12–1:15 p.m. | Biola Caf | ||
| Break | 1:15–1:30 p.m. | |||
| Cultural Identity & Humility | 1:30–3 p.m. | Mayers Auditorium | Dr. Glen Kinoshita (DEI Practitioner) |
Hard start at 1:30 p.m. |
| Break | 3–3:30 p.m. | |||
| Community-Building Activity | 3:30–5 p.m. | Various locations | FirstGen Interns | Activity will be indoors. |
| Dinner | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Biola Caf | ||
| Activity (Optional) |
7–9 p.m. | TBA | FirstGen Interns | Not required to participate. |
Thursday, August 17
| Topic | Time | Location | Speaker | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast (Optional) |
8–9 a.m. | Biola Caf | Breakfast is free. | |
| Developing Rhythms for Well-Being Panel | 9–10:30 a.m. | Mayers Auditorium | Spiritual/Student Development & Biola Counseling Center | Hard start at 9:15 a.m. |
| Biblical Studies Seminar | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | Mayers Auditorium | Dr. Oscar Merlo (Director) |
|
| Lunch | 12–1:15 p.m. | Biola Caf | ||
| Cultivating Healthy Relationships | 1:15–2:15 p.m. | Mayers Auditorium | Center for Marriage and Relationships |
Hard start at 1:15 p.m. |
| Break | 2:15–2:30 p.m. | |||
| Overcoming Conflict | 2:30–3:30 p.m. | Mayers Auditorium | Carla Logie | Hard start at 1:30 p.m. |
| Community-Building Activity | 3:30–5 p.m. | Various locations | FirstGen Interns | Activity will be indoors. |
| Dinner | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Biola Caf | ||
| Activity (Optional) |
7–9 p.m. | TBA | FirstGen Interns | Not required to participate. |
Friday, August 18
| Topic | Time | Location | Speaker | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closing Breakfast | 8:30–10 a.m. | Kim Dining Room | ||
| Getty Villa Visit |
10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Getty Villa | ||
| Dinner | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Biola Caf | ||
| Activity (Optional) |
7–9 p.m. | TBD | FirstGen Interns | Not required to participate. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Summer Bridge cost anything, do I need to pay for meals or early housing?
No, Summer Bridge is at no cost to you — your meals are covered by SEID and early housing is covered as well.
Can I come for only one or two days to Summer Bridge but not all of them?
We’ve intentionally designed Summer Bridge to cover the scope of the following topics that we believe are instrumental to your first-year success: College Success, Practical competency, Financial Literacy, Spiritual Formation and Well-Being.
Due to this design, we ask and require that if you register for Summer Bridge, you attend all workshops and events during Summer Bridge to make the most out of your experience.
If there is an extenuating circumstance, please contact the Assistant Director, at carla.logie@biola.edu.
Can I apply to the FirstGen Scholars Program?
If you already applied and did not get into the program, unfortunately, that was the final decision. However, please know that you still have access to all of SEID's programs and services, including our college success workshops and a monthly newsletter filled with scholarships, internships and jobs.
If you did not have a chance to apply to the scholarship due to having enrolled later, or you simply missed the deadline, if you register and attend Summer Bridge you’ll be eligible to apply and receive a scholarship still. We’ll send you the application as soon as registration closes for Summer Bridge.
If I’m a commuter, do I have to stay til the evening activities?
No, the required programming is from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. — breakfast and the evening activities are optional (although we encourage you to stick around to join in on the fun).
Do I have to live in Blackstone (if I’m not a FirstGen Scholar)?
No, you do not need to live in Blackstone. First years will be assigned housing in Sigma, Blackstone, Alpha and Hart Hall.
What do I need to bring when I move in?
The Housing Office has created this guide What to Bring when you move into residential housing. Learn more about what to pack, bed size, what is prohibited (e.g. microwave), provided furniture and more.
For more information contact undergrad.housing@biola.edu.
Do I have to move back out or go back home after the 18th since the official move-in day for the rest of campus is not until August 23rd?
No, once you move in on August 13, you are fully moved into your room and residence hall. You do not have to move out or leave, you can stay and enjoy being on campus early.
Use the time wisely, and prepare your schedule for the semester, set up some healthy habits before the semester begins.
If I’m a FirstGen Scholar: Do I have to come to Summer Bridge? If I’m going to dorm on campus, do I have to live in Blackstone?
Yes, per your scholarship award requirements, you are required to attend the Summer Bridge Online Orientation and Summer Bridge from August 13–18 from 9–5 p.m. If you have a unforeseeable conflict with these dates, please contact the Assistant Director at carla.logie@biola.edu as soon as possible. Note: due to the influx of emails it may take a few days for me to respond.
Yes, you are required to live in Blackstone but only for your first year and your roommate does not have to be a FirstGen Scholar. You can room with anyone that you would like to dorm with, just make sure to indicate this on your housing application or contact housing for more help. Your roommate matching is done in the same way as all students.