The Project
Affectionately known as STEM Camp, the STEM Summer Bridge Program is a one-week residential program designed to help incoming STEM majors transition confidently from high school to college. Open to all and especially impactful for multi-ethnic STEM scholars, this program offers a week of community-building, academic enrichment, and professional development.
The core objectives of the STEM Summer Bridge Program are to:
- Promote a sense of belonging in STEM scholars at UD.
- Facilitate lasting connections between scholars, faculty and student support staff.
- Help students build and maintain self-efficacy as STEM majors.
Who We Are
Since 2007, the School of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences have partnered to host the STEM Summer Bridge Program. A first of its kind initiative at the University of Dayton, it was established to increase STEM student retention and foster a diverse, inclusive community at the University of Dayton.
The program follows an evidence-based national model that helps STEM students gain exposure to essential skills, while forming social and academic connections critical to their early persistence and continued success as emerging STEM professionals.
The STEM Summer Bridge Program provides a holistic educational experience that addresses systemic inequities in STEM education and supports students’ academic, social, and environmental transition to both the university and their disciplines. In doing so, the program reflects our Marianist values of educating the whole person through a learning community of challenge and support, and affirms the dignity of each student as a creative and social being created in the image and likeness of God.
The Impact
Since its inception, the STEM Summer Bridge program has been offered at no cost to students, ensuring finances are never a barrier to participation. Over the past 19 cohorts, nearly 700 students have taken part in this impactful experience.
This past summer, 100% of participants recommended the experience for future incoming students. However, rising costs and shrinking budgets mean that without external support, the STEM Summer Bridge Program may not reach its 20th milestone year.
Your support will help preserve this transformative experience for future generations of STEM Flyers.
Hear what prior participants have said about their STEM Summer Bridge experience:
“I learned to open up and meet new people, and I was given the opportunity to 'live' on campus and experience college-level advising and classes.” – 2021 STEM Participant
“I loved this camp. Made great connections and amazing friends. Recommend to all income freshman who are in STEM.” - 2023 STEM Participant
“The friendships you form and the valuable resources you learn about will definitely make you feel ready for college. I already feel five times better about finding a community here at UD — it’s real!” - 2024 STEM Participant
“You get to build up strong meaningful relationships early that’ll … last, not just with your peers but with the staff.” - 2025 STEM Participant
What Your Gifts Will Do
With your financial support, we can offer the STEM experience to future Flyers in a way that does not compromise the integrity of the program, and allows us to continue supporting the success and persistence of all, and not just some, students in STEM disciplines.
This year, we’ve established three fundraising goals:
- Tier 1 Goal – $10,000: Fully funds 10 student participants
- Tier 2 Goal – $12,500: Fully supports 12 student participants and supports program planning
- Tier 3 Goal – $15,000: Fully supports 15 student participants
When we launched a similar campaign in 2022, our community exceeded expectations—surpassing a $7,500 goal and raising $10,000 in support of our students. As we approach the program’s 20th year, we hope to build on that momentum and invite you to be part of this next chapter.
Every gift makes a difference. Here’s what your support can do:
- $25 - Helps sponsor a student’s meals for a day
- $50 - Helps sponsor a student’s housing for one night
- $100 - Helps sponsor camp supplies
- $250 - Sponsors student meals for the week
- $500 - Sponsors t-shirts for the program
- $1,000 - Sponsors a student’s participation in the program
Help us keep the UD STEM Summer Bridge Program legacy alive! Reaching our goal of $10,000 will fully fund this experience for 10 students!
Share this Message
We invite you to share this campaign via social media, email, or other channels with those who are passionate about STEM education and supporting student success! In addition to financial gifts, donations of time and alumni testimonials are warmly requested.
Thank you for playing a part in supporting emerging STEM talent at UD!
The College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the STEM Summer Bridge Program Flyer Funder Campaign!
Together, we raised over $10,500 to support the incredibly talented students who will become part of the UD Flyers and STEM Camp alumni in 2026 and 2027! Your generosity helps us keep the STEM Summer Bridge Program accessible—ensuring that cost is never a barrier to this life-changing opportunity.
Your support reflects the strong community that surrounds our students: alumni, families, faculty, staff, and industry partners who continue to invest in their success.
Because of you, future Flyers will begin their UD journey with the confidence, community, and preparation they need to thrive.
Thank you for believing in what this program represents.
Go Flyers!
295 days ago by AlisonWe’re Making Progress—Thanks to YOU!
We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received for the 2025 STEM Summer Bridge Flyer Funder campaign. We have raised 85% of our Tier 1 fundraising goal! As we near the end of our campaign on November 25th we are and need your help to keep the momentum going.
When we launched a similar campaign in 2022, this community helped us exceed expectations—raising over $10,000 to support our students. With your help, we know we can do it again.
Want to do more?
- Start a challenge gift to rally others.
- Share your camp memories on social media or with a quote.
- Invite others who care about equity in STEM and student success to give.
Let’s reach even more students together. Every dollar counts.
306 days ago by AlisonThe 2025 STEM Summer Bridge Program Flyer Funder is entering Week 2 of our 4-week campaign, and thanks to your generosity, we've raised $4,500!
Since its inception, nearly 700 students have participated in STEM Camp, all at no charge as they gain the skills, relationships, and confidence to thrive as future engineers and scientists.
This year, we’ve set ambitious but achievable goals to fund at least 10 students’ experiences—and we’re nearly halfway there. To reach these goals, we need your help!
How You Can Help:
- Share our project on your social media accounts or with folks who you think will be interested in supporting this amazing cause via email, text, etc.
- Share your personal story about why the STEM Summer Bridge Program was so important for you—as an alumnus, parent of an alumnus, current student, or as a faculty or staff member, camp leader, industry partner, or advocate of the program!
- Make a donation or encourage others to donate by starting a challenge or matching gifts. Every gift, big or small, makes a difference.
We again thank all who have donated and are excited as we move into the second half of this Flyer Funder campaign.
Let’s keep the legacy going and thank you for helping us Elevate STEM Flyers!
314 days ago by Alison
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