The NDSU Bison Bridge program helps students get an early start to their education.
NDSU’s Bison Bridge program assists in the transition between high school to college by giving eligible students an introduction to the services and support available at NDSU.
The program invites local multicultural students, who are first-generation or Pell-eligible, beginning their first year at NDSU in fall 2023 to get an early start to their NDSU education. During the three-day program, students will:
- Meet professors, staff and academic advisors
- Gain leadership and self-advocacy skills
- Engage with NDSU’s diverse population of new students
- Build friendships
- Learn about community and NDSU resources
- Receive mentoring throughout the year
The program is fully funded and has no cost for participants.
Bison Bridge previously was offered from 2013 to 2018. Kayla Jones, a current graduate student in educational leadership, participated as an undergraduate student. She said the program helped her adjust to being a college student at NDSU and connected her with others to ease her transition from high school.
“I wanted to experience all aspects of campus, but I would not have been comfortable reaching different areas of campus if I did not already get the chance to be introduced to them and learn about how these resources could benefit a student like me,” said Jones, who is from St. Louis, Missouri. “The program is so important for students who need that extra support adjusting to a predominantly white institution. Having that sense of community is crucial to feeling like you belong at an institution and this program helps you find that alongside other great resources you may need. It is a great way to start your college experience as you adjust to all the regular pressures of college with the added factor of being a student of color, first generation or low-income student.”
The program is supported both by the NDSU Office of Multicultural Programs and Office of Admission.
“I am absolutely delighted to have the Bison Bridge program back on campus, and absolutely thrilled to be a part of the collaboration that brings this program to life,” said Kaelen Napoleon, diversity and inclusion coordinator with the Office of Multicultural Programs. “I am more excited about playing an instrumental role in supporting Bison Bridge participants as they transition to college. Introducing Bridge participants to campus resources is a major part of the overall Bison Bridge program. Having a connection to key people and places on campus builds a sense of belonging that can drive students’ success. I would hope that each Bison Bridge participant feels at home while at NDSU, not like someone visiting temporarily.”
