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 four-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, at no cost to the student, to help adjust to campus life.
Following the four-week bridge program, Bloom Scholars will earn a $500 scholarship award and 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, and maintain a 2.25 GPA, may be eligible for additional scholarship opportunities.
2024 SUMMER PROGRAM DATES AND LOCATION
- Welcome Program: Saturday, June 29, 2024
- Program Dates: Monday, July 1, 2024 – Friday, July 26, 2024
- Closing Ceremony: Saturday, July 27, 2024
- Location: Valparaiso University
ELIGIBILITY
All who are interested are encouraged to apply; priority will be given to students who identify as first generation or underrepresented college students.
BENEFITS
Benefits of the summer program:
- Complete a free college course(s) resulting in credit hours earned which will count towards graduation.
- Experience living in a University residence hall prior to the start of classes.
- Earn a $500 scholarship for your first semester at Valpo by successfully completing the four-week summer program.
- Build confidence by learning your way around campus and participating in college life.
- Learn about academic and classroom expectations from college professors.
- Strengthen your writing, communication, and math abilities.
- Participate in interactive team building activities to help you connect with other new students and prepare you for college life.
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
9-9:45 AM | Supplemental Learning
10-11 AM | Mathematics
11:30-12:30 PM | Lunch
12:45-2:15 PM | College Scientist in Training – Study Skills in the Natural Sciences
2:15-3:15 PM | Independent Time
3:30-5 PM | Finding Voice through Writing, Reading & Dialogue
5-6:30 PM | Dinner
6:30-7:30 PM | Study Hall
We are going to make sure we balance the week with work and play; thus, you can anticipate various weekend activities.
Schedule is subject to change.
College Scientist in Training – Study Skills in the Natural Sciences
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Study skills and test-taking strategies are not always intuitive. Yet, these skills can be applied universally to a variety of course settings. This two-credit course will focus on preparing students for the expectations needed to succeed in a traditional lecture style science course. Aspects of learning such as note-taking, textbook readings, examinations, and lab sections will be covered in sufficient detail. Course content will include a variety of foundational biology and chemistry concepts; from chemical reactions to cellular processes. Learning these critical skills in small- and large-group settings will provide students with a well-rounded experience to prepare for any academic course, regardless of course subject and teaching style.
Finding Voice through Writing, Reading & Dialogue
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The academic journey begins differently for everyone. Strong and thriving communities are built on a gathering of various perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. This two-credit course will offer an interactive and engaging foray into a variety of social and academic topics intended to prepare students to be critical thinkers, readers, and writers. Through practice of reflection, active listening, dialogue, and engagement with diverse perspectives, this course creates the conditions and develops the capacity for students to access agency and exercise their own voices to persuade, collaborate, and advocate for individuals and communities.
Where will I live during the summer portion of the Bloom Scholars Program?
- You will have the opportunity to live in a residence hall on campus during the Bloom Scholars Program.
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.
Can I work during the Summer portion of the Bloom Scholars Program?
- Because the summer portion of the Bloom Scholars Program is intended to be an academic and social immersion program, students are prohibited from working during the program’s duration.
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 weekend 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 inclusive Valpo took many forms, including chairship of the Diversity Concerns Committee; 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.