- How to Prepare
- Program Costs
- Orientation
- Courses
- Co-Curricular Requirements & Opportunities
- Communications and Events
- Important Dates
- Bridge Scholars Plus
-
- Program Overview and Requirements
- How to Apply
- Testimonials
- BSP Frequently Asked Questions
- BSP Employment Opportunities
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact Us
Program Overview
You won’t solve the world’s biggest challenges in just one semester or year—but BSP helps you start thinking about how you want to make an impact through social change.
CSP 121 is a lecture and lab-based course that introduces students to the theory and practice of social innovation as a tool for building more just, equitable, and sustainable communities. In partnership with optiMize, students will explore how people, power, and systems shape social problems—and how thoughtful, community-centered interventions can create meaningful change. Ultimately, this course teaches students how to move from caring about an issue to building a realistic, equity-centered approach to addressing it.
Program Requirements
By joining BSP, you are committing to the following expectations and opportunities:
ACADEMIC:
- Maintain enrollment in and successfully complete CSP 121: Bridge Scholars Plus - Why Not Me? Creating Innovative Social Change, during the fall semester only.
- The course meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 PM–6:00 PM.
- 2 credits, Credit/No Credit (C/NC).
- Including this course, it is recommended that you keep your total credit load between 14-16 to support success in CSP 121
- Attend all three (3) check-ins with your assigned CSP 121 Peer Facilitator during the fall semester.
- The course meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 PM–6:00 PM.
- Schedule and attend at least two (2) academic advising appointments with your Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP) advisor during both the fall and winter semesters.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
BSP participants will sign up for most co-curricular opportunities via Sessions@Michigan
- Attend one (1) community check-in with the Coordinator of Bridge Scholars Plus during the fall semester.
- Keep six Wednesdays (September, October, November, January, February, and March) from 6:00–8:00 PM open for BSP community gatherings. Exact dates will be shared at the start of the academic year. Absences from these required community gatherings will not be excused for classes, study groups, class meetings, work commitments, extracurricular/leadership activities (including club or varsity sports), research, sorority or fraternity events, or music rehearsals. An exception will be made if you have an exam during this time.
- Attend and actively participate in at least one (1) Dinner, Discussion & Networking event during the academic year.
- Attend at least two (2) BSP Resident Advisor (RA) community-building activities during the academic year.
RESIDENTIAL:
- Reside in Harper Hall in Wolverine Village.
- Adhere to the expectations outlined in the Community Living at Michigan (CLAM) and the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities
Please note: Program requirements and active participation are necessary to remain within the BSP community.
*Some community engagement requirements may change with notice throughout the academic year.
