The Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program provides support to institutions to help students make transitions at a critical stage in their development as scientists. The program is aimed at helping students make the transition from 2-year junior or community colleges to full 4-year baccalaureate programs. The purpose of the program is to increase the pool of community college students from underrepresented backgrounds who go on to research careers in the biomedical and behavioral sciences and will be available to participate in NIH-funded research.
The Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program promotes institutional partnerships between community colleges or other 2-year post-secondary educational institutions granting the associate degree and colleges or universities that offer the baccalaureate degree. The partnership/consortium must involve at least two colleges or universities including the applicant institution. The bachelor’s degree-granting institution(s) in the consortium must have a strong science curricula and a track record of enrolling, retaining and graduating students who pursue advanced degrees in biomedical and behavioral research fields. Community colleges and other 2-year post-secondary educational institutions in the consortium must offer associate degree programs with an emphasis on the biomedical and behavioral sciences.
Bridges to the Baccalaureate provides support for student, faculty and institutional development activities. Awards are made to domestic, private and public, educational institutions. State and local systems of higher education may also apply. The total project period may not exceed 5 years. The size of award will vary with the scope of the research education program proposed and the availability of funds.
For additional information about these awards, see the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, August 31, 2012 (PAR-12-277), or contact Dr. Michelle Hamlet at 301-594-3900.
Bridges to the Baccalaureate Supplemental Instructions for Noncompeting Progress Report
Bridges Sample Table Formats (New, Renewal and Noncompeting Continuation) Applications
Bridges to the Baccalaureate Participating Institutions
Bridges Programs Answers to Frequently Asked Questions