Bloom Scholars Program
The Bloom Scholars Program is designed to academically, socially, and culturally, prepare a cohort of newly admitted first-year students for life at Valparaiso University and beyond. The Bloom Scholars Program is a four-year model that provides an academic foundation, beginning with a one-week intensive summer bridge meant to seamlessly transition participants into their first semester at the university. During the summer bridge program, students will complete college-level coursework and live at Valparaiso University (if a residential student), at no cost to the student, to help them adjust to campus life.
Following the one-week bridge program, Bloom Scholars are expected to transition into and become active, engaged participants in the Cornerstone program—a year-long persistence and success model for select first-generation college students. Each year, Scholars will participate in specialized programming intended to help them thrive in the classroom and beyond. Successful Bloom Scholars who complete the required number of activities and expectations, each year, may be eligible for additional scholarship opportunities.
2025 SUMMER PROGRAM DATES AND LOCATION
- Move-in and Welcome Program: Sunday, August 10, 2025
- Bridge Program Dates: Monday, August 11, 2024 – Tuesday, August 19, 2025
ELIGIBILITY
All who are interested are encouraged to apply.
BENEFITS
Benefits of the summer portion of the program:
- Enroll in a college course that starts early, providing academic preparation before the semester begins, and earn credit hours that count toward graduation, concluding at the end of the fall semester.
- Learn about academic and classroom expectations from college professors while strengthening academic success strategies.
- Residential students will experience living in a university residence hall before classes begin, while commuters gain firsthand experience managing their commute and learning effective time management strategies.
- Build confidence by navigating campus and actively engaging in college life.
- Connect with fellow new students through interactive team-building activities led by peer mentors.
If you would like to be considered for the Bloom Scholars Program or have additional questions, please contact our program director Chloe Kiser at chloe.kiser@valpo.edu.
Day-in-the-life of a Bloom Scholar:
7-8:30 AM | Breakfast
9-10 AM | Cohort-building Activities
11:30-12:30 PM | Lunch
3:30-4:30 PM | Holistic Student Success
5-6:30 PM | Dinner
6:30-7:30 PM | Mentor-led Activities
Schedule is subject to change.
Holistic Student Success
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will prepare students to learn a holistic approach to developing necessary student success strategies that will allow students to reboot their academic performance and to use their strengths and experiences to grow as a person and student. Topics include making the transition to college, managing the school and life balance, stress and time management, building a support network, self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, and learning strategies.
Where will I live during the summer portion of the Bloom Scholars Program?
- If you are a residential student, you will have the opportunity to move into a residence hall on campus early during the Bloom Scholars Program bridge.
What should I bring when I move on campus for the summer?
- Take a look at the Residential Life website for more information on what to bring, what is not allowed, and what will be provided in your residence hall.
Do I need to attend orientation before beginning the Bloom Scholars Program?
- Yes. Any students interested in participating in the Bloom Scholars Program must first attend FOCUS, Valpo’s new-student orientation. See more information at valpo.edu/focus.
What is the cost of the summer portion of the Bloom Scholars Program?
- The summer portion of the program is free to students, which means students will not have to pay for food, housing, tuition, or costs to go to special student activities. Students can bring a small amount of spending money if they want to purchase any additional snacks or spirit wear.
Why is it called the Bloom Scholars Program?
- The Bloom Scholars Program honors the legacy of the late Prof. Alan Bloom, a much-loved faculty member, campus leader, and recipient of Valpo’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Award. Prof. Bloom’s vision of a truly welcoming Valpo took many forms, including the creation of the Summer Global Leadership Institute and the Summer Smart Summer Fun camps; and active involvement in Habitat for Humanity and the City of Valparaiso’s Advisory Human Relations Council. Among his many impactful contributions to our campus and surrounding communities Prof. Bloom, envisioned and initiated the process that led to the creation of this program.