About the Program
Bridges to the Baccalaureate (Bridges) is a 9-week summer program supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The program provides experience in sciences within a research community. The Bridges Program opens the door for students considering a career in research-related fields, including biomedical research. Selected students and faculty spend a summer at California State University, Long Beach laboratories participating in hands-on research. In addition, Bridges students receive a bimonthly stipend, fieldtrip opportunities, social activities, and many more educational opportunities.
What Will I Do In Bridges?
You will have the opportunity to join an ongoing research laboratory team, gain valuable experiences with current research, and expand your knowledge about the research field. You will also find many opportunities within research and exciting work related to your specific research interest. You will be working alongside faculty, graduate students, and other undergraduate students attending CSULB. In most cases, students meet and work with other community college students who are a part of the Bridges Program. Additionally, the Bridges Program provides professional development workshops, individualized mentoring and public speaking opportunities for you to develop as an active researcher in the field.
At the end of the program all Bridges student participate in our annual research symposium. The Bridges staff provides a support system and proper training to all students to be successful in the Bridges Program and ultimately, to become long term successful researchers.
Who Should Apply?
- Students who enjoy science and want to learn more about what research is and what is means to be a researcher
- Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or other science majors seeking laboratory experiences
- Students having completed 24 units or more by summer 2011 and have a 2.5 GPA or higher
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents
What's In It For Me?
- An opportunity to advance academically and become a more competitive student for graduate programs
- A paid position for work in research labs and research training
- Tailored workshops intended to contribute to your success as a student and as a professional researcher
- Visitations to private and public research facilities
- Opportunities to ask questions to professionals in the field
- Valuable transfer information
- Familiarity with our CSULB campus community
- Opportunities to mingle and network with other Bridges students
