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BRIDGE
August 23-26, 2026
BRIDGE stands for Building Relationships in Diverse Gonzaga Environments and has three major components: (1) a summer pre-orientation program that takes place right before Welcome Weekend, (2) a first-year peer mentoring program and community that continues during the academic year, and (3) staff coaching support throughout student's academic journey at Gonzaga. And there is a new optional component - an opportunity to live in community alongside other BRIDGE students as part of the BRIDGE Living and Learning Community.
BRIDGE is a Social Justice and Leadership Institute designed for students who hold one or more underrepresented identities such as first generation*, low income, students of color, LGBTQ+, undocumented, etc. The pre-orientation program offers early introduction and interaction with a variety of campus resources, student mentors, faculty, staff, and administrators that can help facilitate a smoother transition to college life.
In alignment with Gonzaga’s Jesuit mission, BRIDGE activities and workshops focus on identity development, community building, cultural awareness, resilience, and social-change centered leadership. In addition to the supportive community and meaningful connection that BRIDGE fosters, it also introduces students to such relevant topics as the imposter phenomena, stereotype threat, and allyship in an effort to proactively address the “culture shock” that many underrepresented students experience at a predominantly White institution (PWI).
First Year Mentoring
All BRIDGE participants will be assigned a BRIDGE peer mentor and a “family group”. These mentors and families support the mentees throughout their first year in college. BRIDGE is the start of a robust network of support for underrepresented students, and the door for them to learn how to nurture and create a better tomorrow through social justice leadership.
BRIDGE Living-Learning Community (LLC)
As an extension of the BRIDGE Program, the BRIDGE Living-Learning Community (LLC) is an optional themed housing option for students participating in the BRIDGE Program. Residents in LLCs are afforded all the benefits of on-campus living, plus:
- Living with peers who share similar academic, personal, and social interests.
- Unique opportunities to connect with dedicated faculty, staff, and student leaders.
- Meaningful in-hall experiences such as programming, academic support, and mentorship designed around the goals of the BRIDGE Program.
BRIDGE was named Outstanding New Program in 2019 by the NASPA Latinx Knowledge Community.
BRIDGE Benefits:
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Personalized, year-long mentorship from other underrepresented students with experience navigating Gonzaga
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A head start learning about different campus and community resources
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Guided navigation of college expectations and resources which help adjust to college
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Additional support from UMEC staff during the academic year
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Cohort-based scheduling (opportunities to take classes with the BRIDGE community)
*Although there are many definitions, typically a first-generation student is the first person in their immediate family to attend college or is someone whose parents never graduated from college.
Registration and Cost:
Opens: NOW! 60 spots are available.
Cost: FREE
Registration for all Extended Orientation programs is on a first-come, first served basis.