The Bison Bridge program is an exciting opportunity designed to assist local (Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead) first-year multicultural students, who are first-generation* or Pell-eligible, attending NDSU beginning fall 2024, transition from high school to college. During the program, students will be introduced to the NDSU experience and will start developing important connections to get a jump start on their college career. Essentially, the Bison Bridge program builds resilient, independent, determined graduates with excellence.This program is fully funded and there is no cost to participants. Other benefits include:

• A $1,000 stipend disbursed in two installments
• Get introduced to academic resources
• Develop important connections with professors, staff and academic advisors
• Gain leadership and self-advocacy skills
• Engage with a diverse population of new NDSU students and build friendships before classes begin
• Get paired with a peer mentor in the Rising Scholars Program
• Learn about NDSU services
  • ACE Tutoring
  • Center for Accessibility
  • Career and Advising Center
  • Center for Writers
  • Counseling Center
  • Financial Aid and Scholarships
  • Information Technology
  • NDSU Libraries
  • TRIO Student Support Services
  • Wellness Center

The Bison Bridge program will be held from August 20^th to August 22^nd.

If you are a first-generation* or Pell-eligible, multicultural, first-year student to be enrolled at NDSU for the upcoming fall semester, this program is for you. Take advantage of connecting and networking with resources that will start your college career positively!

*NDSU defines a first-generation college student as a student whose parent/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor's degree.

APPLY HERE

Bison Bridge Program Impacts:

Bison Bridge helps students build confidence, establish connections, and utilize campus resources to maximize their college experience until degree completion. 92.5% feel more confident transitioning to NDSU; 95% made a new connection with at least one student; 97.2% learned about at least one campus resource they plan to use during the first semester.

Student Testimonials:

“The Bison Bridge program was incredibly helpful because it introduced me to several resources available on campus, but it also helped me feel welcome and like I belonged here at NDSU.”  -Claudia

“I made a few friends because of the Bison Bridge program which I am forever grateful for. I will forever thank the Bison Bridge program as I feel like I was given an early exclusive launch into starting university and I feel extremely comfortable being a student now. Thank you!” -Ludden

"Bison Bridge helped me meet so many new people, that coming into school didn't make me feel like a total stranger, I made connections with faculty and mentors who still play a major role in my transitioning into NDSU." -Liya

BISON BRIDGE APPLICATION FOR STUDENTS

Please contact Kaelen Napoleon in the Office of Multicultural Programs,kaelen.napoleon@ndsu.edu | 701-231-1868, if you have any questions about the Bison Bridge program or the application process.