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STEM camps
George Mason University

STEM Bridge Experience

STEM Bridge Experience

Monday July 15 - Saturday July 20, 2024 
In person on the Fairfax, VA campus
for incoming first-year College of Science students

In this newly revised group experience, incoming first-year students will become familiar with science courses and the college lifestyle before the fall semester. Students will review lab protocols, exam preparation, and experience sample classes from Mason faculty. Students will get specific and daily guidance in mathematics. There will also be advising, career sessions, time to meet current Mason students, and opportunities to make new friends. 

Each day, the STEM Bridge Experience will aim to prepare students for college math courses and improve math placement scores. Students will work in small groups based on skill level to obtain deeper understanding of mathematical concepts in algebra, trigonometry or calculus. Math professors, graduate students and undergraduate learning assistants will provide guidance and support. On the first day (if needed), students will have the opportunity to take the math placement test. 

The STEM Bridge Experience will be held in-person on Mason’s Fairfax campus; lunch and snacks each day are included in registration. Students can also choose to reside on Mason’s Fairfax campus for the duration; this option includes breakfast and dinners. Regardless of the options you choose, participants can make strong connections with peers and faculty that support them through their entire college experience.  

Note, this opportunity is for students who have already been accepted to Mason and are planning to attend in Fall semester. Participants should be able to function independently on campus and behave respectfully and appropriately in diverse classrooms and activities. The STEM Bridge Experience does not replace orientation, but offers STEM specific supports for students planning to major in a science, engineering, or mathematics.*

 

Register

Registrations for Mason's STEM Bridge Experience in 2024 will be accepted beginning in April. Follow this link to register. 

Scholarship are available and can be requested by emailing stemcos@gmu.edu. 

STEM Bridge FAQs

Why should I participate in STEM Bridge?

The weeklong STEM Bridge Experience gives you an opportunity to experience university life before the semester begins. In addition, you will have the opportunity to engage with STEM faculty as you learn about scientific topics in smaller class size environments, ideal for getting to know your peers and professors prior to starting at Mason. 

What will I learn at STEM Bridge?

You will learn about a variety of STEM disciplines, like chemistry, biology, physics, and computer science, through engaging hands on activities. You will have the opportunity to see sample exam questions, learn problem solving and test-taking strategies from current students and faculty.  We will also have active discussions on time management, campus life, and offer insider tips for success in your first semester. 

Will a commuter participant receive the same experience as a residential participant?

The commuter experience will be valuable and informative, but it will not be the same as the residential experience. Students who stay overnight will have additional time to build relationships with other participants and peer leaders.  They will also have the opportunity to experience life on campus. We encourage participants to be residential, if at all possible. 

I have AP/IB or some other equivalent credits in math. Should I still participate in STEM Bridge?

The STEM Bridge Experience is designed to prepare students enrolling in courses up to and including MATH 113.

Students receiving a score of 3 for the AP Calculus exam or a score of 4 for the exam are encouraged to enroll in the STEM Bridge Experience.

Students receiving an IB HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches exam score of 4, HL Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations 5, 6, or 7, HL Mathematics: Further 4, or any SL exam score are also encouraged to enroll. 

Other students may participate in the STEM Bridge Experience for trigonometry review.

If you have received AP/IB credit for Math 113 or have been placed into MATH 114 or higher, STEM Bridge Experience will be review. You will still benefit from the cohort experience and science content you will learn. 

College of Science Transitions (COS 108)

Students that participate in STEM Bridge are also strongly encouraged to enroll in the associated College of Science Transitions (COS 108; 0-1 credit) course for the fall semester. In this course students will continue to work with their camp cohort and build the skills necessary to effectively transition to university life. 

FAQs: STEM Bridge Logistics

What time will session begin each day?

The STEM Bridge Experience begins at 8am and typically ends by 6pm, however one day will extend into the evening and dinner will be included on that day. Breaks are scheduled into each day as well as both academic and social experiences. Schedules will be sent to the participants in the weeks before the camp. Participants should be prepared for full days of activities and interactions. 

Is housing provided for the STEM Bridge?

Yes, options for university housing are offered through registration. Rooms will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. 

  • $500 for commuting day participants
  • $1,100 for residents staying in dorms (double room)
  • $1,400 for residents requesting a single room

Should I bring my own bedding for the residential experience?

Yes, you do need to bring bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows). 

Are procedures in place for COVID-19 response?

All Mason-sponsored summer programs are required to have a comprehensive COVID-19 plan in place. If a camp staff member or camper is potentially exposed to COVID-19, we will implement our plan and notifications will be sent to campers, parents, and Mason’s COVID Navigation Team. 

STEM Accelerator

The STEM Bridge Experience in the College of Science is coordinated by the faculty and staff of the STEM Accelerator. 

Mason K-12 Science Summer Camps

George Mason University's summer STEM opportunities provide K-12 students with hands-on learning experiences in all STEM disciplines.

Students at the 2019 STEM Bridge Camp

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.