FirstGen 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!
Program Benefits
For the one-week Summer Bridge program, every FirstGen student receives the following at no additional cost:
- Delicious meals at the Biola Caf
- Exclusive FirstGen t-shirt and swag
- Individualized enrollment support
- Immersive field trip in the greater Los Angeles area
- Expert guidance from Biola staff and faculty to navigate college life
- Early access to campus, including residence halls for dorming students
How to Sign-Up
- Registration Deadline: August 5, 2024
- Summer Bridge Dates: August 18-23, 2024
- Off-Campus Excursion: August 27, 2024 (for FirstGen Mentorship participants)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Summer Bridge cost anything, do I need to pay for meals?
No, Summer Bridge is at no cost to you — your meals at the Biola Caf are covered and paid for by SEID.
Do I get to live on campus for Summer Bridge even if I am not planning to dorm for the semester?
No, unfortunately, the Housing Office and FirstGen team are not able to accommodate temporary housing for Summer Bridge attendees who did not apply for housing on campus. Students who are already signed up to live on campus get to move into their dorm early. We do not have additional dorms available for all Summer Bridge attendees due to limited capacity and preparation of dorm rooms for students who will be living on campus in the Fall.
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 require that if you register for Summer Bridge, you agree to attend all the required workshops and events during Summer Bridge to make the most out of your experience.
However, if there is an extenuating circumstance, please contact FirstGen team at firstgen@biole.edu.
Can I still apply to the FirstGen Scholars Program?
You can still apply to the FirstGen Scholars Program until the final deadline on April 15. Learn more and apply here: https://www.biola.edu/seid/programs/first-gen/scholarship.
If you did not have a chance to apply before the deadline due to having applied to Biola at a later time, or you missed the deadline, unfortunately you cannot apply past the deadline. However, please know that you still have access to all of FirstGen programs and services, including our college success workshops and a monthly newsletter filled with scholarships, internships and jobs.
If I’m a commuter, do I have to stay til the evening activities?
While you are not required to stay for the evening activities, as a commuter, we strongly encourage you to make the most of your time on campus to build friendships before the semester begins.
Do I have to live in a specific dorm to attend Summer Bridge (if I’m not a FirstGen Scholar)?
No, you do not need to live in a specific dorm to attend Summer Bridge. All first year students will be assigned housing in Sigma, Alpha or 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 program since the official move-in day for the rest of campus is not until later?
No, once you move in during Summer Bridge, you are fully moved into your dorm room and residence hall. You do not have to move out or leave, a benefit of the FirstGen program for residential students is that you can stay and enjoy being on campus early! We will have a Pre-Semester Prep Guide available for Saturday August 24 to Monday August 26 to help you use the time wisely to prepare your schedule for the semester and set up some healthy habits before the semester begins. Then on August 27 we will have an off-campus free excursion for Summer Bridge students.
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 a specific dorm?
Yes, per your scholarship award requirements, you are required to attend the Summer Bridge Online Orientation and Summer Bridge in its entirety. You are also required to live in the Alpha dorm for the upcoming Fall 2024 through Spring 2025 academic year. If you have a conflict with these dates, please contact the FirstGen team at firstgen@biola.edu as soon as possible.
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.