The FSU CARE Summer Bridge Program is designed to support first-generation college students in their transition to university life. A common question for prospective students is, “What does the FSU CARE Program pay for?” While the program doesn’t directly “pay for” students to attend, it provides significant financial and resource-based support to facilitate their participation and academic success. The CARE Summer Bridge Program primarily assists with costs associated with the summer bridge experience and provides resources that help students succeed throughout their time at Florida State University.
The core financial assistance offered through the CARE Summer Bridge Program is tied to the Pell Grant. Eligibility for the Pell Grant, determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), is a key requirement for the program. This is because the program is structured to provide support to students with demonstrated financial need. The program effectively covers the cost of participation in the Summer Bridge Program itself. This typically includes expenses related to summer tuition, housing, and meals during the program period. By covering these essential costs, the CARE Program removes significant financial barriers that might prevent eligible students from participating in this valuable preparatory experience.
Beyond the summer program, CARE provides ongoing support and resources throughout a student’s undergraduate journey at FSU. While it doesn’t directly “pay for” all university expenses, it offers resources and guidance that can help students manage costs and access other forms of financial aid. This includes assistance with financial literacy, advising on scholarships and grants, and connections to other university resources that can alleviate financial strain.
To be eligible for this impactful program, students must meet several requirements, ensuring that the support reaches those for whom it is intended. These requirements include being a first-generation college student, demonstrating alignment with FSU’s core values, completing required academic coursework, meeting Florida residency requirements, and qualifying for the Pell Grant, as evidenced by both the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 FAFSA submissions. The dual FAFSA requirement is necessary because the Summer Bridge Program in 2025 falls within the 2024-2025 FAFSA year, while the subsequent academic year utilizes the 2025-2026 FAFSA.
The application process for the CARE Summer Bridge Program opens in August each year, coinciding with the opening of the general FSU first-year application. Interested students should indicate their interest in the Summer Bridge Program on their FSU application or Common Application. If this wasn’t initially indicated, students can request the Summer Bridge Program application be added to their admissions portal by emailing the Office of Admissions at [email protected]. Admissions decisions are released according to the university’s established timeline, which can be found on the FSU Office of Admissions website.
In summary, the FSU CARE Summer Bridge Program provides crucial financial support by covering the costs associated with the summer bridge experience, including tuition, housing, and meals for Pell Grant-eligible, first-generation students. While it doesn’t pay for all aspects of university life, it acts as a vital stepping stone, providing both financial and resource-based support to help students thrive at FSU from day one and throughout their academic careers. Declining acceptance to the Summer Bridge Program means declining admission to FSU, highlighting the integrated nature of the program with the university’s admissions process for participating students.
