Student Success Academy

student success academy students pose for a group photo

The Bellarmine Student Success Academy is a four-week summer bridge program that is designed to support students in their academic transition from high school to college. During the four-week summer bridge, students will develop skills such as time-management, organization, academic reading and writing, and study skills. Students will also participate in academic seminars specific to their chosen majors, giving them early access to faculty and course content before the school year starts. Additionally, students will earn 3 hours of course credit at no cost to them. Students will participate in community and social events on and off campus, giving them the chance to explore Bellarmine and its unique campus location in The Highlands. After the four-week summer bridge, students in the Academy will receive continued academic support and mentorship for the duration of their first year at Bellarmine.  

The Academy is open to incoming students who have a high school GPA of 2.75 or lower OR a composite ACT score of 20 or below. Priority admission will be given to students who also fit at least one of the following criteria: 

  • Student of color 
  • First-generation college student (students whose parents or legal guardians did not graduate from a four-year university)
  • Student from a limited-income household 
    • Guidelines are determined by the number of family members living in your household and the household taxable income amount from the year prior to application to Bellarmine

The Student Success Academy summer bridge runs from July 1-August 2. Participation in the Student Success Academy is completely free. Students will receive free on-campus housing and three free meals per day while living on campus and participating in the program for four weeks. Students will also receive a $500 stipend upon completion of the program.  

Benefits of Joining Student Success Academy

  • Early introduction to Bellarmine’s campus and campus life
  • Support in your transition to college
  • Exclusive and early access to academic content in your major
  • Early introduction to faculty and staff in your major and the Student Success Center
  • Free social events on and off campus over the summer
  • Yearlong mentorship and academic support
  • Student Success Academy merch
  • FREE room and board from July 1 to August 2
  • FREE meals from July 1 to August 2
  • $500 stipend

Applications open March 1st. For more information, please contact Chelsey Brown at cbrown05@bellarmine.edu.

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