Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bridges Program?
This program helps you become aware of career opportunities in the biomedical field while attending classes at your community college, allows you to obtain early research experience in the biomedical fields, and transition to a 4-year institution such as Kansas State University to complete your BS degree.

Are the Bio-Medical Sciences for Me?
If you have an interest in health care, science, biology,  psychology, nutrition, food science, chemistry, physics, math, veterinary science, applied social sciences or social work;  or see yourself someday as a scientist; we can help you get a head start.

What are some of the activities that I will participate in as a Bridge student?

Visits by biomedical professionals and scientists to your school Attend a one week research experience course at KSU in late May to learn how scientists work on problems, research equipment, how to use a library, learn about ethics in science and becoming familiar with student life on a large research campus Work with a Kansas State University professor on a research project for a summer and get paid after your 2nd year of community college studies Opportunity to gain real research experience in your community An opportunity to visit Kansas State University’s Open House in the spring to visit with other faculty scientists and students working on research projects

What are the advantages of becoming a Bridge student?

•  Develop an early start in your career path
• Work side by side with a mentor
• Develop science aptitude, critical thinking and analytical skills
• Access to a network of staff and faculty
• Acquisition of professional experience and career contacts
• Work with others in your peer and social group
• Transfer into the Developing Scholars Program at K-State where you will be paid to work with a faculty mentor

Can I really afford this?
Once accepted into the Bridges program, students will receive tuition scholarships at their community colleges and at Kansas State University when they transfer

What type of student should apply?

• An interest in biomedical sciences and mathematics
• Strong work ethic
• Desire to get ahead in a career
• A freshman or beginning sophomore student from an under-represented group

How do I get more information or apply to the program?

• Talk with your science or mathematics instructor; or your NIH Bridges representative on your campus
• Participate in career awareness events
• Complete a Bridges application by the beginning of the sophomore year