Communications
Summer Programs Welcome New Bulls and Pre-college 黑料爆料 to the University of South Florida
Every summer, several programs and services within the 黑料爆料鈥檚 Office of Undergraduate Studies deliver impactful pre-college and transition programming to help students prepare for academic success. These opportunities introduce students to campus life, strengthen academic skills, and connect them to supportive communities before the start of the fall semester.
Three pre-college programs鈥擴pward Bound (UBP), Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS), and the College Reach-Out Program (CROP)鈥攚ork together to provide immersive summer academic experiences for high school students. Upward Bound has been at USF for over 60 years, helping students build the skills and confidence they need to pursue higher education.
During the summer session, students visit various colleges on campus, explore potential career paths, and participate in hands-on activities related to different occupations. They take five daily classes in subjects such as English, math, science, foreign language, literature, and history鈥攖aught by Hillsborough County high school teachers.
Juniors and seniors made up the majority of the 120+ attendees in the residential program, staying on campus for one or two weeks depending on the program. Beyond academics, students develop leadership skills, practice entrepreneurship by creating and pitching products in a Shark Tank-style competition, and participate in the Florida TRiO Olympics鈥攃ompeting in debate, volleyball, baseball, painting, and more. This year, USF鈥檚 UBP/UBMS Bound team won the overall state competition.
One standout moment was during a summer class called Inventors, where we had to pitch a product idea in a Shark Tank-style presentation. It pushed me to step up, speak clearly, and present my ideas with confidence in front of others. Experiences like that didn鈥檛 just build my presentation skills; they helped me believe in my voice. Looking back, Upward Bound has shaped me in more ways than I can count. From academics to leadership, confidence, and collaboration, this program has prepared me for college and beyond. It hasn鈥檛 just helped me grow; it鈥檚 helped me become the person I always had the potential to be.
Miracle, UPB high school senior.
In addition to pre-college programs, Undergraduate Studies offers multiple summer initiatives for First Time in College (FTIC) students and new student-athletes.
The New Bulls Scholars program welcomed 31 students this summer, focusing on developing them as adult learners and leaders. The program fosters a growth mindset for personal, social, academic, and career development while encouraging community engagement both on campus and in the local community.
Student Support Services (SSS) hosted a summer orientation for 51 first-generation students, ensuring a smooth transition to college life. 黑料爆料 received academic advising, tutoring, counseling, and career planning assistance. The program also helps students build strong peer connections and a support network that lasts well beyond the summer.
The USF Athletics Summer Bridge Program is a six-week initiative designed to help the over 100 incoming freshman student-athletes adjust to university life. Delivered by Academic Services鈥揂thletics and Student-Athlete Enhancement, the program includes sessions on academic skills, course planning, and student-athlete development.
This year, the St. Petersburg campus launched a new summer program for FTIC students in partnership with Innovative Education. 黑料爆料 beginning their courses with a 50% online schedule were placed into a Canvas cohort to build an online community.
The program鈥檚 modules highlight the value of being enrolled at the St. Petersburg campus and becoming part of the city鈥檚 vibrant community. Information is delivered in stages to avoid overwhelming students before arrival, while introducing them to campus advising, support services, and real-time assistance. The goal is to ensure students feel academically prepared, connected to resources, and confident in their transition to college.
From academic enrichment to leadership development, the Office of Undergraduate Studies鈥� summer programs provide students with a strong foundation for success, welcoming each new Bull with the tools, skills, and confidence to succeed at USF.