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First-Generation Summer Bridge Program
Welcoming new first-generation students to jump-start their academic careers.
Program Overview
This summer, UB will be hosting its Virtual First-Generation Summer Bridge program, designed for students to gain a distinct advantage before the start of their first semester and throughout the first year.
- One five-week course (Pre-Calculus or Social Justice)
- Assigned Peer Mentor for the summer, fall, and spring semesters of your first year
- Weekly Success Course
Orientation at UB
New to UB helps prepare you for a successful start. Learn about the steps.
UB Thrive First Generation
UB Thrive First Generation program is open to new first-year, first generation college students. First Generation is defined as a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) has not achieved a bachelor’s degree at the time of the person's first application for admission to the university, or the student’s first application for financial aid at UB. Those wishing to participate in the program must complete and submit the 2026-2027 FAFSA application. The university will utilize students’ PELL grants and university funds to offset the cost of participation in the program. Students who are eligible to submit a 2026-27 FAFSA should do so by June 1 to ensure financial aid eligibility is evaluated before the start of the program.
About UB's Summer Orientation
Participating in UB’s Summer Orientation is required for all students. Summer Bridge program students will participate in the July 2-3 or July 6-7 on-campus Summer Orientation program, so that you can complete your orientation requirement before the start of the Summer Bridge program. (Please note that international students will complete an online orientation program.) Learn more about Summer Orientation.
Registering for the Program
Register for the Summer Bridge program on the Advisement and Orientation Form. Review the orientation session options carefully, and choose the July 2-3 or July 6-7 session that includes the Summer Bridge program. The Summer Bridge program runs July 13 through August 14. The program coordinator will contact you with next steps within a week of receiving your confirmation. During this conversation the coordinator will work with you to enroll you in your summer bridge experience course.
Program Components
You'll have a chance to earn early academic credit during the summer bridge program.
Option 1: MTH 113 LEC Precalculus without Trigonometry (4 credit hours)
Description: Reviews precalculus algebra, emphasizing functions (transformations, combinations, and composite functions). Topics include graphing and applications of linear, inverse, quadratic, polynomial and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions and applications; limits, continuity, and the derivative. A grade of (C) or better in this course meets the prerequisite for MTH 121 and MTH 131
Dates: July 13 – Aug. 14, 2026
Course Time: Monday through Friday 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Instruction Mode: Virtual (Zoom) - laptop/computer camera is required
Required Materials: MyMathLab (Approx. $60)
Option 2: Social Justice Course SOC 204 (3 credit hours)
This course introduces students to the many concepts of community organizations and how they are formed, structured, and managed. The course is conducted through lectures, readings, and writing assignments; community visits; and guest lectures. Analyzes community organizing as a profession practiced by various individuals and groups.
Dates: July 13 - Aug. 14, 2026
Days: Monday and Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
OR
Days: Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Instruction Mode: Virtual (Zoom) – laptop/computer camera is required
Required materials: Provided by Instructor
Option 3: ERT 101LEC - Natural Hazards (3 credit hours)
This Scientific Literacy and Inquiry course (previously GLY 101) explores the solid Earth and ways that ongoing, natural processes act to harm people and property. The course aims to put geological hazards in a broader context by examining the latest science at the micro (e.g., minerals), human (e.g., why tsunamis are such efficient and massive killers) and global (e.g., global effects of asteroid impacts or super volcano eruptions) scales. We will examine the history of scientific discovery and thought about natural hazards and global catastrophes on both human and geologic timescales. We will use case studies and debates to clarify science vs. pseudo-science, current controversies, and how natural (as well as some human-induced) hazards affect us in Western New York. Completing all three courses, ERT 101LEC, ERT 102LEC and ERT 105LAB, would fulfill the Scientific Inquiry and Literacy Requirement as well as the Natural Sciences General Education requirement.
Dates: July 13 – Aug. 14, 2026
Course Time: Asynchronous – Real time: Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Instruction Mode: Virtual (Zoom) - laptop/computer camera is required
Required materials: Provided by Instructor
To speak to someone about the First-Generation Summer Bridge Experience please contact Tyler Richards at tylerric@buffalo.edu or by phone at 716-645-4968.
This program is part of a campus initiative to support First Generation students in their personal and academic endeavors.
UB Thrive Grant
By participating in the First-Generation summer bridge program, you may be eligible to receive a $300 grant toward your academics for your first three semesters at UB.
Grants are awarded after each semester’s add/drop period to those students who meet certain criteria including: earning a passing grade in the UB Thrive summer bridge course, enrolling in 12 or more credits for the fall/spring semester, and maintaining a 2.0 semester and overall UB GPA.